Objective: To examine the associated features in pregnant women with superficial venous reflux, compared with those without reflux. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited at booking and underwent colour flow duplex ultrasound scanning of the lower limbs to ascertain the presence or absence of reflux in the superficial veins. Body mass index and CEAP scores were calculated. A questionnaire regarding parity, smoking habit and family history of varicose veins was administered. Statistical analysis was carried out using ARCUS. Results: Three hundred and twenty-nine women were recruited, of whom 83 were identified as having reflux (25%). No relationship was observed between reflux and obesity, smoking or family history. Multiparity was significantly correlated with varicose veins (p<0.03). CEAP scores were higher in multiparous women with varicose veins. An increase in symptoms was associated with a positive family history (especially maternal). Smoking was associated with fewer symptoms in those with reflux, as was obesity. Conclusion: Increased parity increased the likelihood of varicose veins, but obesity and family history appeared to make no difference. Symptoms were greater in multiparous women, but less inobese women. An association was made between smoking and fewer symptoms.

Objective: To acertain the knowledge of varicose vein disease amongst health professionals dealing with pregnant women. Method: Postal questionnaire survey. Results: General practitioners (GPs) and midwives estimated an incidence of varicose veins in pregnancy of 20-50%. Factors associated with varicose veins included second and subsequent pregnancies, thrombophlebitis, family history and obesity, although obesity was thought to be less of an association by the vascular surgeons (57%). Half the respondents linked varicose veins to deep venous thrombosis. Support hosiery is the main management, with 10% of obstetricians asking for a vascular surgeon's opinion, but never vice versa. Surgical treatment was recommended on family completion but 38% of vascular surgeons will consider surgery between pregnancies. Eighty per cent of GPs and 91% of midwives would welcome guidelines. Fifty-seven per cent of vascular surgeons stated that they already have guidelines although these are the professionals least likely to deal with pregnant women. Conclusion: Knowledge amongst health professionals of varicose vein disease in pregnancy is generally good. However, guidelines would be welcomed.