Lots of women suffer from varicose veins in pregnancy. The good news is, symptoms often fade once baby arrives — though not always and they may get worse with each pregnancy.
The second or third semester is when you’re likely to notice varicose veins in your legs and around the groin. You might spot some classic signs: swollen, twisted or bulging veins mostly on your legs, along with aching and heaviness — especially after standing for ages. It’s mostly because your body is working over time, pumping extra blood. And hormonal changes cause the walls of blood vessels to relax. As your bump grows, it can press on the veins in your pelvis and legs, making the blood’s journey back to your heart harder.
As if you’re not feeling heavy or tired enough. Other common symptoms with pregnancy, like tired legs or swollen ankles, you may not even link to varicose veins. But if you can see the veins bulging, they are itchy and with symptoms like those above, chances are you have varicose veins.
While you can’t have varicose vein treatment while you are pregnant, our team can give you valuable advice about improving your symptoms. This includes compression stockings and reassessing you after the baby has arrived. Our vascular team will assess whether this is appropriate for you and our team will take special care to ensure your comfort and safety. You’re in good hands.
Graduated compression stockings are a game changer for tired, puffy legs
Compression stockings (to the knee) may be all you need to relieve symptoms. Graduated compression socks help keep the blood flowing and will reduce swelling even if we discover you haven’t got varicose veins. Plus, put your feet up at night. And, remember to rest, which we know is difficult if you have younger ones running around, too. Every bit of self-care counts.
Can you get varicose veins in other places during pregnancy?
Yes, you can get varicose veins in places besides your legs. They may be in the vulva, pelvic region or even as hemorrhoids. This happens because pregnancy boosts your blood volume, putting extra pressure on your veins, especially the lower body.
When it’s a common part of the journey, most changes are temporary. However, get in touch if you are still experiencing symptoms after your baby is born. Particularly pelvic pain.
Our team specialises in diagnosing problematic veins. Including hard-to-detect pelvic congestion syndrome, where varicose veins are in the pelvic region and may be causing your chronic pain.
Book a chat with our nurse.
