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Why do varicose veins come with pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a major trigger for varicose veins. Hormones, the growing uterus and more blood volume are to blame. The good news: they often fade after birth.
- Pregnancy is a major trigger for varicose veins.
- Hormones, uterine pressure and more blood volume all play a part.
- About a third of women show signs after one pregnancy, half after several.
- They often fade within a few months to a year after birth.
- Compression, movement and leg elevation help during pregnancy.
Varicose veins are veins that struggle to carry blood back to the heart, often appearing twisted, swollen and enlarged. Usually a cosmetic concern, they can become a medical one if symptoms worsen. Why are they so often linked with pregnancy?
Are varicose veins more common during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and childbirth are recognised triggers for varicose veins. While rates are similar in boys and girls when young, varicose disease becomes more common in women with age. About a third of women show signs after their first pregnancy, rising to around half after several.
What causes varicose veins during pregnancy?
The causes are not fully understood, but pregnancy is a major contributor. Several changes combine to raise the risk:
| Why pregnancy raises the risk | Effect |
|---|---|
| Hormonal changes | Lower the tone of the vein walls, letting them stretch. |
| Pressure from the uterus | Compresses the veins returning blood from the legs. |
| More blood volume | Adds pressure and can damage the vein valves. |
Many varicose veins that appear in pregnancy fade afterwards, and when they persist they can be treated without surgery: focused ultrasound (echotherapy) closes the vein with no incision.
How can they be prevented during pregnancy?
Some women are simply more prone to varicose veins in pregnancy, and there is no way to prevent them entirely. But compression stockings, gentle daily exercise (if your doctor agrees), regular breaks from sitting or standing, and plenty of movement can lower the risk.
Other simple habits help too: avoid crossing your legs when sitting, choose flat shoes over high heels, raise your legs regularly to aid circulation, and cut back on salt to limit swelling.
Do they go away after birth?
Often, yes. As the uterus stops pressing on the large vein returning blood from the legs, many varicose veins vanish within three months to a year after delivery, which is why they are rarely treated during pregnancy. Other factors such as age, genetics and weight can keep the risk up, and our full pregnancy guide covers them.
Wondering whether echotherapy is available near you? A growing network of centres is already equipped with the SONOVEIN.
Questions fréquentes
Why do varicose veins appear during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes lower vein tone, the growing uterus presses on the veins, and blood volume rises, all of which can distend the veins and damage the valves.
Are varicose veins common in pregnancy?
Yes. About a third of women show signs after their first pregnancy, rising to around half after several.
Do pregnancy varicose veins go away after birth?
Often. As pressure from the uterus eases, many fade within three months to a year, so they are rarely treated during pregnancy.
How can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?
Compression stockings, gentle approved exercise, frequent movement, avoiding crossed legs, flat shoes, leg elevation and less salt can all help.
Can varicose veins from pregnancy be treated?
If they persist after birth, yes, and without surgery: echotherapy uses focused ultrasound to close the vein with no incision.