Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: Types, Causes & Treatment

ByRohan Sharma
Updated: 3 Jun 2025, 2:41 pm

Varicose veins are common during pregnancy due to hormonal and anatomical changes that cause swelling and make veins more visible. These veins can show up in different ways and sometimes cause discomfort. It’s best to get familiar with the signs and causes early on. Even though postpartum varicosity may resolve, the condition can be improved through treatments and lifestyle adjustments to lessen the symptoms during pregnancy and prevent other problems from occurring.

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Varicose veins are enlarged veins that may be seen just beneath the skin's surface. During pregnancy, hormonal changes accompanied by an increased volume of blood in circulation contribute to the development of these veins, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort. Early identification of varicose veins and preventive care can help ease symptoms and improve overall well-being during pregnancy. Medical consultation is mandatory in case of aggravated symptoms, for various avenues are open to moderate discomfort and improve circulation.
In this article:

Understanding Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Changes in the body during pregnancy may also lead to the formation of varicose veins. Varicose veins are generally perceivable as swollen, blue, or purple bulging veins wherein blood vessels have become stretched, weakened, or damaged. Changes in blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure on the veins from an expanding uterus can all lead to poor blood circulation, making it difficult for the blood to return to the heart. Blood pooling in the veins causes dilation, leading to easy visibility. Pregnancy-related varicose veins may develop in several body parts but are most often seen in the legs, vulva, and pelvic regions; they are common and usually harmless, except possibly causing discomfort and, in some cases, leading to more severe complications.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one factor that may predispose a person to the development of varicose veins. Other factors which may increase the chances include:
  • Previous varicose veins: Having had varicose veins before the pregnancy increases the chances of developing them during the pregnancy.
  • Family history: Such genetic predisposition increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Multiple pregnancies: A woman pregnant for the second or third time finds her veins bearing strains with each successive pregnancy.
  • Age: Older women may be more susceptible, as vessel elasticity tends to decrease with age.
  • Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs or activities requiring long standing or sitting may increase the chances.

Causes of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Pregnancy varicosities arise due to some hormonal and anatomical changes:
  • Hormonal changes: An increased level of the hormone progesterone causes blood vessels to relax and makes them more sensitive to dilate, hence enlargement of veins.
  • Increased blood volume: The body produces a lot of blood to feed both mother and baby; hence, veins may sometimes be overloaded and increase in size.
  • Pressure exerted by a growing uterus: As the uterus expands, it presses on the veins in the pelvic cavity, preventing blood from flowing back to the heart and eventually pooling in the lower limbs.
  • Reduced activity levels: Pregnancy tiredness or discomfort inhibits movement and worsens circulation, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.

Types of Varicose Veins

There are different types of varicose veins during pregnancy, according to their location and severity. Here are the commonly seen types of varicose veins during pregnancy:

Trunk varicose veins

These veins usually appear along the thighs or lower legs and are the most visible type of varicose veins during pregnancy. They are often large and swollen and may cause pain, aching, or cramping in the legs.

Reticular varicose veins

These veins are less severe than trunk varicose veins. They usually form a bluish or greenish spider web-like appearance below the skin's surface. They are also less noticeable but can sometimes cause discomfort.

Telangiectasia (Spider veins)

Unlike reticular veins, spider veins are smaller and are usually seen in a web-like pattern of tiny red, blue, or purple veins. Generally harmless, they can be viewed as a beauty concern.

Vulvar varicosities

These veins develop in the vulva area and may become swollen. They can appear as early as the first or second trimester and don’t always cause pain, though discomfort is more common in the later stages of pregnancy.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

In rare cases, varicose veins can form in the pelvic area, causing chronic pain, swelling, or discomfort. Diagnosis is often complicated and may require inpatient therapy.

How Varicose Veins Can Affect You and Your Baby

Usually not a health threat, varicose veins could be a lifestyle concern in that they could enhance the risk of complications and impact emotions. This is especially regarding the pregnancy period.

  • Physical symptoms and discomfort

Varicose veins can elicit aches, heaviness, and discomfort in the affected areas. Other symptoms are swelling, cramping, and feelings of fullness or tightness in the leg. These symptoms may worsen as pregnancy advances, especially if a woman stands too much or does not maintain good circulation.

  • Pregnancy varicose vein complications

In most situations, varicose veins may not lead to serious complications; however, under certain conditions, they may cause:
  • Thrombophlebitis: Formation of blood clots in varicose veins, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes an infection.
  • Venous ulcers: In rare cases, skin breakdown and ulcers may ensue owing to chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Bleeding: Occasionally, varicose veins subcutaneously may rupture and bleed, although this is exceedingly rare.

  • Emotional and lifestyle effects

The appearance of varicose veins can sometimes affect how you feel about your body during pregnancy. Thus, this may affect a person's self-esteem and body image in late pregnancy. Added to this are physical discomfort and lifestyle restrictions due to swollen legs or restricted movement, which may be factors leading to frustration or anxiety.

Tips to Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Combating the development of varicose veins during pregnancy involves practising lifestyle changes and adjustments, including posture and movement, to encourage blood circulation.
  • Daily exercise: Indulge in activities that promote good circulation, including walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga. Exercise encourages blood circulation and aids in decreasing swelling.
  • Elevation of the leg: To facilitate blood circulation, elevate or rest your legs as much as possible. When resting or sleeping, you can do this by placing one or two pillows under your legs.
  • Compression stockings: Compression stockings help sustain the veins and limit swelling while enhancing circulation. They should be worn during the daytime, particularly if you are going to stand or sit for a long time.
  • Support maternity clothing: Purchase maternity clothing that supports the changing belly and eases pressure on the veins, especially around the abdomen and legs.
  • Healthy weight and hydration: Keeping an adequate weight and drinking plenty of fluids eases strain on the veins and relieves some manifestations of varicose veins.

Treatment for Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Managing varicose veins in pregnant women focuses on relieving symptoms rather than their permanent removal. The following are treatment modalities that may be considered depending on the severity of the condition:

  • Home care

Cold compresses on the affected area and natural remedies such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar will temporarily relieve minor symptoms.

  • Minimally invasive procedures

Sometimes, a physician may recommend non-invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or laser treatment; however, this is generally deferred until after delivery to ensure it is safe for both mother and child.

  • Consulting a specialist

When varicose veins become significant and painful or troublesome enough to impair day-to-day living, it is crucial to consult a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon or obstetrician, for an assessment and various treatment guidelines.

  • Treatment in the postpartum period

After childbirth, varicose veins often improve as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. However, if some veins remain or cause ongoing discomfort, medical treatments like minor procedures may be recommended.

What To Expect After Delivery

The initiation and subsiding of some of the symptoms due to varicose veins disappear with delivery. All the hormones will return to normal levels, and the pressure on the veins will also disappear. But for some women, the symptoms continue for an extended period, and they need another intervention.

  • Recovered varicose veins timeline

The timeline for recovery from varicose veins after delivery will differ between women. Many begin to see improvement from a few weeks to a few months. However, severe cases could take longer or require additional procedures.

  • Ongoing symptoms with veins

Further assessment might be required for the qualified evaluation when symptoms persist after the delivery of a child. Sometimes, patients might need lifestyle changes or additional treatment to handle ongoing discomfort.

  • Long-term preventive measures

While postpartum, you continue taking preventive measures like using compression stockings and staying active, but you raise your feet to prevent recurrence.Varicose veins may be common in pregnancy and do not last very long. They can cause discomfort and emotional stress in a woman, but preventive measures and treatment go a long way in easing symptoms. Most women recover naturally after childbirth, but in some cases, they linger on for professional help. You are supposed to consult a healthcare provider when one has severe discomfort or complications so that the person can understand the most appropriate course of action to take.

FAQs on Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: Types, Causes & Treatment

  1. Can varicose veins go away after pregnancy?In many cases, varicose veins improve after childbirth as the body returns to pre-pregnancy. However, some women may experience persistent symptoms, and additional treatment may be necessary.
  2. Are varicose veins during pregnancy dangerous?Varicose veins during pregnancy are typically not dangerous. However, complications such as blood clots or bleeding can occur in rare cases, requiring medical attention.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Amrita Razdan Kaul, Sr. Consultant- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Asian Hospital

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