Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: When to Worry

According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), varicose veins are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 40 percent of expectant mothers. While they are generally harmless and often resolved on their own after delivery, there are certain situations where they can be a cause for concern.

This blog will help readers understand the causes, risk factors, and management strategies for varicose veins, crucial for ensuring a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

What Causes Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

Varicose veins develop when the valves in the veins become weakened or damaged, allowing blood to pool and causing the veins to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin. During pregnancy, several factors contribute to the formation of varicose veins:

1. Increased Blood Volume: According to Penn Medicine, pregnancy increases blood volume by as much as 20 percent (while the number of veins remains the same), putting extra pressure on the veins.
2. Hormonal Changes: The hormone progesterone, which relaxes the vein walls, is elevated during pregnancy, making it easier for blood to flow backward and pool.
3. Uterine Pressure: As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the inferior vena cava (the main vein carrying blood from the lower body to the heart), restricting blood flow and causing pooling in the veins of the legs, vulva, and rectum.

When to Worry About Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

In most cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are a cosmetic issue that may cause discomfort, heaviness, or aching in the affected areas. However, in certain situations, varicose veins can indicate a more serious underlying condition, and prompt medical attention is necessary.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

While rare, varicose veins during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. According to WebMD, approximately one pregnant woman out of every 1,000 experiences a blood clot.

Speak to your doctor if you have any of these risk factors for blood clots during or after pregnancy:

• Carrying more than one baby
• Being over 35 years old
• A long labor or delivery by C-section
• Bleeding after delivery
• Having an inherited blood-clotting disorder
• Previous blood clots
• Having hormone replacement therapy
• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
• Smoking
• A family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Prolonged bed rest
• Long-distance travel
• Certain medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate DVT:

• Severe pain or swelling in one leg
• Warmth or redness in the affected leg
• Leg cramps (also known as Charley horses)

If you are suddenly experiencing these symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) provides a DVT rule-out service if you're concerned your symptoms may be deep vein thrombosis. Our comprehensive service includes a DVT scan, treatment, education, and follow-up care. Reach out to the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (844-568-3691).

Vulvar Varicosities

Varicose veins can also develop in the vulva (external genital area), a condition known as vulvar varicosities. While not dangerous, these varicose veins can cause significant discomfort, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the vulva, and pain during intercourse or after prolonged standing.

If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for recommendations on managing the discomfort of vulvar varicosities.

Although vulvar varicose veins typically resolve on their own after childbirth, understanding the causes and taking preventive measures can help alleviate symptoms and ensure a more comfortable pregnancy experience.

Bleeding or Ulceration

In rare cases, varicose veins can rupture or lead to the formation of venous ulcers (open sores). If you notice any bleeding from a varicose vein or the development of an open sore, seek medical attention immediately, as these conditions can increase the risk of infection and other complications.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

While varicose veins are common during pregnancy, certain factors can increase a woman's likelihood of developing them. Understanding these risk factors can help expectant mothers take proactive steps to prevent or minimize the formation of varicose veins.

Family history of varicose veins
If your mother, grandmother, or other close relatives have experienced swollen, twisted, bulging varicose veins, you may be genetically predisposed to developing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancies (and multiple babies!)
Women carrying multiples or those who have had multiple pregnancies are also at a higher risk of developing varicose veins. Each pregnancy can further weaken the vein valves and increase the pressure on the veins, compounding the problem over time.

Gaining excess weight
Being overweight or obese before or during pregnancy can put extra strain on your veins, increasing the risk of varicosities. To help prevent or minimize the formation of varicose veins during pregnancy, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise (with your healthcare provider's approval). Staying active can also improve circulation and prevent blood pooling in the veins.

Additionally, make a conscious effort to elevate your legs whenever possible, as this can help reduce the pressure on your veins and promote better blood flow.

Preventing Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

While varicose veins during pregnancy are common and often unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to help prevent them or alleviate their symptoms:

1. Exercise Regularly: Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the veins. Exercises such as walking, swimming, calf and leg raises, and yoga can help ease varicose veins. Before starting a new exercise regimen during your pregnancy, speak with your doctor to verify that the activities pose no risks to you or your developing baby.
2. Wear Compression Stockings: Graduated compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing swelling. Speak to your doctor about the right fit and level of compression for you.
3. Elevate Your Legs: When possible, elevate your legs above the level of your heart to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the veins.
4. Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Take frequent breaks to move around and improve blood flow.
5. Sleep on Your Left Side: Sleeping on your left side can help reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava and improve circulation.

Varicose Veins during pregnancy: The bottom line

While varicose veins during pregnancy are generally harmless, doctors typically don't treat them. However, in some cases, they can cause significant discomfort and even signal more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and management strategies for varicose veins is crucial for ensuring a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

If problem leg veins continue to be an issue after your bundle of joy has arrived, Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) understands and is ready to help!

With over 110 locations nationwide and a 98 percent satisfaction rating, our board-certified vein specialists can restore leg comfort using minimally invasive outpatient procedures. You'll again feel confident about showing off your vein-free legs!

Call CVR at 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative about the CVR location nearest you. You can also SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION ONLINE TODAY.