Varicose veins are enlarged veins that you’ll often find in the legs, but can even reach up to your butt. They’re one of the more unfortunate side effects of pregnancy, right up there with hemorrhoids and constipation.

The reason is that during pregnancy, your blood volume increases, while the rate at which blood flows from your legs to your pelvis decreases.

This can add pressure on the veins, which in turn causes varicose veins. Hormones are also to blame, as increased progestin can open up the veins. They’re generally harmless but they’re pesky and can be uncomfortable.

Usually they’ll go down within three months to a year after giving birth, but here are some more ways in which you can lessen your chances of getting them.