Varicose veins affect both men and women, but women are significantly more likely to develop them. One of the biggest reasons is pregnancy — a period of major hormonal and physical change.
Why do varicose veins happen in pregnancy?
Several changes during pregnancy increase pressure in the leg veins and make vein valves more likely to struggle. The main factors are:
- Increased blood volume — blood volume rises by around 40–50% to support the baby, which increases the load on your veins.
- Hormonal changes — progesterone rises and can relax vein walls and affect valve function.
- Pressure from the growing uterus — as the uterus enlarges it can compress pelvic veins, slowing the return of blood from the legs.
- Reduced mobility — later in pregnancy many women move less, which reduces the calf muscle pump that helps push blood back to the heart.
What symptoms should you look out for?
Some women notice visible veins first; others notice symptoms before the veins become obvious. Common symptoms include:
- Aching or heaviness in the legs (often worse at the end of the day)
- Swelling around the ankles
- Itching, irritation, or burning over the veins
- Night cramps
- Worsening discomfort after prolonged standing
When to seek advice sooner
It is sensible to seek medical advice if you develop:
- Sudden significant swelling in one leg
- A hard, tender, red vein (possible superficial thrombophlebitis)
- Bleeding from a varicose vein
- Skin changes around the ankle (eczema, discolouration, thickening)
Safe ways to manage varicose veins during pregnancy
Most definitive vein treatments are postponed until after pregnancy, but symptom control during pregnancy can make a big difference.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings can reduce aching and swelling by supporting the veins and improving blood return. They are often the single most helpful intervention during pregnancy.
Movement and positioning
- Regular walking and gentle exercise improve circulation
- Avoid long periods of standing or sitting without moving
- Elevate your legs when resting
- Sleeping on your left side can reduce pressure on pelvic veins in later pregnancy
Weight and hydration
Healthy pregnancy weight gain (as advised by your midwife/obstetrician) and staying well hydrated can support circulation and reduce extra venous pressure.
Will pregnancy varicose veins go away?
Many women find that symptoms improve after delivery as hormones normalise and blood volume returns to baseline. However, some varicose veins persist.
If veins developed during pregnancy, it is usually sensible to wait around 3–6 months postpartum before considering treatment, as there can be natural improvement in that time.
Treatment options after pregnancy
If varicose veins persist and remain symptomatic after pregnancy, modern treatments are minimally invasive and usually performed under local anaesthetic as day cases. Options include:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — seals the damaged vein using heat; walk-in, walk-out.
- Foam sclerotherapy — injection treatment that closes selected veins.
- Avulsions (phlebectomy) — removes bulging surface veins through tiny incisions.
Pregnancy planning and varicose veins
If you are planning pregnancy and already have significant varicose veins, an assessment beforehand can be helpful. Treating veins before conception can reduce the chance of pregnancy-related worsening, though new veins can still develop due to hormonal and pressure changes.
Need advice about your veins?
If you are pregnant and struggling with symptoms, or if your varicose veins have persisted after pregnancy, a specialist consultation (with duplex ultrasound when appropriate) can provide clarity and a personalised plan.
If you have urgent symptoms (e.g. sudden leg swelling or significant bleeding), please seek urgent NHS assessment via 111 or A&E.