How Does Pregnancy Impact Varicose Veins, and What Can Be Done?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings some unexpected physical changes—including the development or worsening of varicose veins. If you’ve noticed swollen, twisting veins in your legs, you’re not alone. Varicose veins during pregnancy are common due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and the added pressure from your growing uterus.

Here’s why these veins appear and what you can do to manage them.

Why Pregnancy Causes Varicose Veins

1. Increased Blood Volume

During pregnancy, your body increases blood production to support your baby’s development. While this is crucial for fetal growth, it also puts extra pressure on the veins, especially those in the lower body. Blood can pool, leading to the development of varicose veins—enlarged, bulging veins that tend to appear on the legs.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormones like progesterone help relax the walls of blood vessels, which allows them to expand. While this relaxation is helpful in some ways, it can also make the valves in your veins less effective at pushing blood back to the heart. As a result, blood flow slows, causing pregnancy and varicose veins to become an issue for many women.

3. Pressure from the Uterus

As the baby grows, the uterus puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of your body, called the inferior vena cava. This increased pressure makes it harder for blood to travel from your legs back to the heart, further contributing to the formation of varicose veins during pregnancy.

Managing Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Although varicose veins are common during pregnancy, the good news is that there are ways to reduce discomfort and manage the condition effectively.

Stay Active

Gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming, promotes healthy blood flow and helps prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Staying mobile can also minimize swelling.

Elevate Your Legs

Whenever possible, raise your legs to improve circulation. Elevating them above heart level effectively reduces swelling and pressure on the veins.

Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a helpful tool to prevent varicose veins from getting worse during pregnancy. These specialized stockings gently squeeze the legs, helping blood flow upward instead of pooling at the ankles.

Sleep on Your Left Side

Sleeping on your left side relieves pressure on the vena cava, making it easier for blood to return to the heart. This position is recommended for improving circulation during pregnancy.

Treatment Options After Pregnancy

For most women, varicose veins caused by pregnancy tend to improve after childbirth. However, if they don’t go away or cause significant discomfort, varicose veins treatment options are available for relief.

At Nu Vela Laser and Vein Center, we offer advanced solutions, such as sclerotherapy and laser treatments, to address varicose veins in a non-invasive way. These outpatient procedures are quick and highly effective at improving the appearance of veins and reducing discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

If your varicose veins during pregnancy cause severe discomfort or swelling that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist. Some symptoms, such as persistent leg pain or skin discoloration, could indicate a more severe condition, like a blood clot.

Our vein specialists, led by Dr. Raffi Dishakjian, are here to help if you have concerns about your veins. With personalized care and advanced treatments, we’ll guide you through managing your vein health, whether during pregnancy or after.

Schedule Your Varicose Vein Treatment Consultation

If you’re dealing with pregnancy and varicose veins, there are ways to manage the condition and keep yourself comfortable. However, if the veins persist or cause significant discomfort after childbirth, it might be time to explore professional treatment options. At Nu Vela Laser and Vein Center, we specialize in helping patients regain their comfort and confidence with advanced vein treatments.

Contact Nu Vela Laser & Vein Center today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.