Varicose Veins in Pregnancy: What Should Be Done to Prevent Them?

During pregnancy, many of our female patients experience varicose veins or swelling in the legs for the first time. In this article I will explain the causes of varicose vein formation in pregnancy and how to prevent it.

Hormones and the Increase in Blood Volume During Pregnancy

The progesterone hormone, which rises during pregnancy, can relax the vein walls and weaken the function of the valves; in addition, the total blood volume in the body increases markedly and the growing uterus can mechanically compress the blood flow returning from the legs to the heart. The combination of these three factors makes it easier for varicose veins to develop in pregnancy.

Do Pregnancy Varicose Veins Go Away After Delivery?

In many of our patients, varicose veins that appear during pregnancy shrink markedly or disappear completely after delivery, as the hormonal balance returns to normal and the pressure of the uterus is relieved; this process is usually completed within 3-6 months. In some women, however, especially those who have had more than one pregnancy, the varicose veins may become permanent and an assessment after delivery may be needed.

Varicose Vein Exercises for Pregnant Women

Regular walking, ankle-rotation movements and raising the legs above heart level from time to time are simple but effective measures that support venous return during pregnancy. Avoiding staying in the same position (standing or sitting) for long periods and, with your doctor’s approval, using compression stockings of the appropriate pressure also make a valuable contribution to prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can varicose veins be treated during pregnancy? During pregnancy we usually postpone non-urgent varicose vein treatments until after delivery; in this period we prefer management with supportive measures (exercise, stockings).

Do varicose veins develop in every pregnancy? No; genetic predisposition, the number of pregnancies and individual factors affect this risk.

What should I do if my varicose veins do not go away after delivery? If you still have prominent varicose veins 6 months after delivery, we recommend that you consult us for a detailed assessment and for permanent treatment options.

Conclusion

Varicose vein formation in pregnancy is a common condition caused by the combination of hormonal and mechanical factors, and in most cases it resolves by itself after delivery. Regular exercise and the correct use of compression stockings help you get through this period more comfortably.

You can make an appointment for varicose vein complaints during pregnancy or continuing after delivery.

References

1. Kakkos SK, Gohel M, Baekgaard N, et al. Editor’s Choice – European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2022 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Venous Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2022;63(2):184-267.