Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment Options

Medically reviewed by Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO, RPVI, and Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, on September 9, 2025

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it can also bring physical changes you may not expect. One of the most common is the appearance of varicose veins: enlarged, twisting veins that often cause aching, swelling, or itching in your legs. These changes are a normal part of pregnancy for many women, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply live with the discomfort.

In this blog, we discuss why varicose veins often develop during pregnancy, how to relieve symptoms safely, and the best ways to protect your vein health before and after delivery.

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we understand how vein problems during pregnancy can affect your comfort and well-being. Our vein specialists can guide you through safe, effective ways to manage symptoms while supporting both your health and your baby’s.

If you are pregnant and experiencing varicose veins, schedule a consultation with CVR today. We’ll help you find relief and create a personalized plan for your vein health. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 or click below to book your consultation online at a vein clinic near you.

Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: Main Causes

Varicose veins form when the valves inside your veins, which normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart, weaken or stop working as well as they should. This causes blood to pool, stretching the vein walls and creating that bulging, twisted appearance.

During pregnancy, several natural changes make the formation of varicose veins more likely:

• Increased blood volume to support your baby puts extra pressure on vein walls. According to the National Library of Medicine, blood volume can rise by up to 50 percent.
• Hormonal changes, especially higher progesterone, relax vein walls, making it easier for blood to collect.
• Pressure from the growing uterus can partially compress the large vein in your abdomen (the inferior vena cava), slowing blood return from the legs to the heart.

NOTE: You may be at higher risk of varicose veins during pregnancy if you have a family history of vein disease, are carrying multiples, or spend extended hours on your feet. Previous pregnancies can also make varicose veins more likely, as vein valves may already be slightly weakened.

Varicose Veins While Pregnant: Recognizing the Symptoms

Varicose veins are often visible as bulging, rope-like veins, but these other signs can be just as important:

• Aching, heaviness, or throbbing in the legs after long periods of sitting or standing
• Burning or itching near the affected veins
• Swelling in the ankles or feet, especially at the end of the day
• Nighttime leg cramps or restlessness

Some women also develop spider veins, small, red or blue veins near the skin’s surface. While not the same as varicose veins, they, too, can indicate increased pressure in the veins.

Most varicose veins are not dangerous during pregnancy. However, if you notice sudden swelling in one leg, warmth, redness, or severe pain, contact your healthcare provider promptly to rule out a blood clot.

👉 Did you know? Center for Vein Restoration offers same-day or next-day DVT rule-out services with prompt diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Call 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) today.

Treating Varicose Veins Safely During Pregnancy

Treatment during pregnancy focuses on comfort and safety, using approaches that support circulation without affecting your baby. Most minimally invasive procedures are postponed until after delivery, but several noninvasive methods can ease symptoms now:

Compression Stockings
Medical-grade compression stockings gently squeeze the legs, helping blood flow upward and reducing swelling. For best results, put them on before getting out of bed in the morning. (Tip: ask your CVR vein care expert to take measurements for a perfect fit!)

Gentle Movement
Activities such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga improve circulation and strengthen leg muscles, which act as pumps for blood flow. Even short, regular walks help.

Leg Elevation
Raising your legs on pillows for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can ease swelling and improve blood return to the heart.

Left-side Sleeping
Lying on your left side takes pressure off the main abdominal vein and improves circulation from the lower body. Many women find a pregnancy pillow makes this more comfortable.

Balanced Diet and Hydration
Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking enough water help prevent constipation, which can increase pressure in the veins. Good nutrition also supports healthy blood vessels.

These measures won’t eliminate varicose veins during pregnancy, but they can make daily life far more comfortable.

Lowering Your Risk of Varicose Veins While Expecting

Prevention focuses on keeping blood flowing freely and avoiding excess strain on your veins before symptoms start:

• Stay active daily with short walks or gentle stretching. Movement helps keep calf muscles engaged, which aids circulation.
• Change positions regularly if you sit or stand for long periods. Flexing your ankles and wiggling your toes every 30 minutes can help.
• Wear supportive footwear: low heels or flats allow calf muscles to work naturally, unlike high heels.
• Maintain a healthy pregnancy weight as recommended by your provider to avoid added pressure on your veins.
• Sit with good posture and avoid crossing your legs, which can slow blood flow.

Taking these steps early can help reduce the severity of varicose veins and keep your legs feeling lighter throughout pregnancy.

Seeing a CVR Vein Specialist During Pregnancy

While many pregnancy-related varicose veins fade after childbirth, it’s worth seeking specialized care if:

• Your symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep
• You notice skin discoloration, sores, or a feeling of tightness around the ankles
• Veins become increasingly painful or tender
• Symptoms persist or worsen several months after your baby arrives

A vein specialist can monitor your condition during pregnancy and recommend a postpartum treatment plan if needed. Addressing varicose veins early, even if procedures are postponed, can help prevent long-term vein disease.

Postpartum treatments may include quick, minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy, which can be performed in-office with little downtime. Your CVR specialist can help you decide when and how to treat your veins for the best results.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and while varicose veins may be a common part of the journey, they don’t have to overshadow your experience. Care for your veins now to stay comfortable during pregnancy and protect your long-term leg health.

If you are pregnant and working to manage varicose veins or other vein disease symptoms, contact CVR today to schedule your consultation. Our expert team will help you find safe, effective solutions so you can focus on enjoying this special chapter of your life. Call our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 or click below to book an appointment at a clinic near you today.

Varicose Veins and Pregnancy: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can varicose veins show up anywhere besides the legs during pregnancy?
Yes. Varicose veins can also appear in the pelvic area, such as around the vulva or as hemorrhoids. This happens because of extra pressure from pregnancy. They often get better after delivery, but supportive clothing and gentle exercise can help ease discomfort in the meantime.

2. Do varicose veins affect labor or delivery?
Usually, no. Most varicose veins do not cause problems during labor or birth. If you have larger vulvar veins, your doctor may suggest certain positions or take extra care during delivery to keep you comfortable and safe.

3. When can I treat varicose veins after having my baby?
Many women notice their veins improve on their own within three to six months after giving birth. If your veins are still painful or bulging after that time, a vein specialist can talk with you about safe treatment options.