Is sclerotherapy safe during pregnancy?

While pregnant with my first child I've developed a large number of spider veins on my legs/thighs. Are spider veins more prevalent during pregnancy? Do they go away after delivery? Can I get sclerotherapy while I'm pregnant?

Answers from doctors (21)


Pittsburgh Vein Center

Published on Apr 12, 2013

Most medications are dangerous during pregnancy, especially during the early gestational period. Also it is best to wait until the pressure placed on the veins in the pelvis during pregnancy is relieved when the baby is born to have the most effective and successful treatment. I do not recommend sclerotherapy to patients that are pregnant.

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Answered by Pittsburgh Vein Center

Most medications are dangerous during pregnancy, especially during the early gestational period. Also it is best to wait until the pressure placed on the veins in the pelvis during pregnancy is relieved when the baby is born to have the most effective and successful treatment. I do not recommend sclerotherapy to patients that are pregnant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Mar 13, 2013

There is no documented risk of venous sclerotherapy during pregnancy. However, it is an elective procedure and we would wait until after delivery. Also, the physiologic changes of pregnancy might limit the results.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

There is no documented risk of venous sclerotherapy during pregnancy. However, it is an elective procedure and we would wait until after delivery. Also, the physiologic changes of pregnancy might limit the results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 12, 2013

Sclerotherapy is rarely performed during pregnancy in the U.S. for safety reasons. Pregnancy usually exacerbates veins for people prone to vein disease. Leg veins usually get progressively worse after each successive pregnancy because there is less postpartum improvement.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Sclerotherapy is rarely performed during pregnancy in the U.S. for safety reasons. Pregnancy usually exacerbates veins for people prone to vein disease. Leg veins usually get progressively worse after each successive pregnancy because there is less postpartum improvement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Mar 07, 2013

Do not get sclerotherapy during pregnancy, for there may be implications.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Do not get sclerotherapy during pregnancy, for there may be implications.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Feb 28, 2013

The spider veins will shrink after delivery. Do not get sclerotherapy while you are pregnant.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The spider veins will shrink after delivery. Do not get sclerotherapy while you are pregnant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 28, 2013

There have been no studies performed to determine the safety of sclerotherapy or laser vein treatments during pregnancy. We strongly recommend you be fitted with a comfortable medical compression (20-30mmHg pressure) thigh-length hose for the duration of the pregnancy and wait a couple of months post- delivery/weaning to see if some veins fade. If not, that is the time to start treatments.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There have been no studies performed to determine the safety of sclerotherapy or laser vein treatments during pregnancy. We strongly recommend you be fitted with a comfortable medical compression (20-30mmHg pressure) thigh-length hose for the duration of the pregnancy and wait a couple of months post- delivery/weaning to see if some veins fade. If not, that is the time to start treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 27, 2013

Veins typically worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. It is better to wait until 3 months postpartum for treatment, as some veins will improve naturally. If you are concerned, you should wear gradient maternity compression stockings. There are no published studies on the safety of this procedure during pregnancy, so why take a chance with sclerotherapy?

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Veins typically worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. It is better to wait until 3 months postpartum for treatment, as some veins will improve naturally. If you are concerned, you should wear gradient maternity compression stockings. There are no published studies on the safety of this procedure during pregnancy, so why take a chance with sclerotherapy?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 27, 2013

Due to malpractice concerns, you should not be treated during pregnancy. Spider veins can develop or get worse during pregnancy, but often they improve after delivery. In some cases, however, they do not improve much and require treatment(s). You should wait 2 months after delivery before attempting any procedure.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Due to malpractice concerns, you should not be treated during pregnancy. Spider veins can develop or get worse during pregnancy, but often they improve after delivery. In some cases, however, they do not improve much and require treatment(s). You should wait 2 months after delivery before attempting any procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Feb 27, 2013

Yes, spider veins are prone to develop during pregnancy. Spider veins usually improve after delivery, but often do not completely go away. No physician would advise undergoing sclerotherapy while pregnant because of
unknown effects of the sclerosing agent on the developing fetus.

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Answered by Vein 911

Yes, spider veins are prone to develop during pregnancy. Spider veins usually improve after delivery, but often do not completely go away. No physician would advise undergoing sclerotherapy while pregnant because of
unknown effects of the sclerosing agent on the developing fetus.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Feb 27, 2013

Sclerotherapy might be safe during pregnancy, but it is not recommended. Original studies were done on pregnant women in Ireland and France in the 1920-30's. In America, pregnancy is guarded against all possible insults, even medications that are elective. It is best to wait until after deliver and breastfeeding.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Sclerotherapy might be safe during pregnancy, but it is not recommended. Original studies were done on pregnant women in Ireland and France in the 1920-30's. In America, pregnancy is guarded against all possible insults, even medications that are elective. It is best to wait until after deliver and breastfeeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Feb 27, 2013

No, sclerotherapy should not be performed while a woman is pregnant.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

No, sclerotherapy should not be performed while a woman is pregnant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Columbia Doctors Interventional Radiology

Published on Feb 27, 2013

Spider veins and venous issues, in general, tend to be more prevalent during pregnancy. However, the recommendation is that sclerotherapy not be performed during pregnancy.

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Answered by Columbia Doctors Interventional Radiology

Spider veins and venous issues, in general, tend to be more prevalent during pregnancy. However, the recommendation is that sclerotherapy not be performed during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 13, 2010

Spider veins can be more prevalent during pregnancy and may resolve after delivery. There are many reasons for this increase including hormonal changes and increased venous pressure in the pelvis and legs.
It would be unwise to have sclerotherapy which is a elective procedure during pregnancy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Spider veins can be more prevalent during pregnancy and may resolve after delivery. There are many reasons for this increase including hormonal changes and increased venous pressure in the pelvis and legs.
It would be unwise to have sclerotherapy which is a elective procedure during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy. Spider veins may develop more rapidly during pregnancy and may subside some afterward though they usually will not disappear entirely. Wait until you and your baby are doing well and then see a phlebologist.
Elastic support hose are a good idea during pregnancy to help keep up blood flowback to the heart from your legs.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy. Spider veins may develop more rapidly during pregnancy and may subside some afterward though they usually will not disappear entirely. Wait until you and your baby are doing well and then see a phlebologist.
Elastic support hose are a good idea during pregnancy to help keep up blood flowback to the heart from your legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Because of hormones released, veins relax during pregnancy which can cause varicose and spider veins which may or may not improve after pregnancy.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Because of hormones released, veins relax during pregnancy which can cause varicose and spider veins which may or may not improve after pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Nov 14, 2009

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. Spider veins may develop more rapidly during pregancy and may subside some afterward though they usually will not disappear entirely. Wait until you and your baby are doing well and then see a phlebologist.

Elastic support hose are a good idea during pregancy to help keep up blood flowback to the heart from your legs.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Sclerotherapy should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. Spider veins may develop more rapidly during pregancy and may subside some afterward though they usually will not disappear entirely. Wait until you and your baby are doing well and then see a phlebologist.

Elastic support hose are a good idea during pregancy to help keep up blood flowback to the heart from your legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 12, 2009

You will develop spider veins during pregnancy that will likely not resolve after delivery. I would not suggest sclerotherapy while pregnant or breastfeeding. I would recommend thigh high compression hose while pregnant to help minimize the development of the varicosities.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

You will develop spider veins during pregnancy that will likely not resolve after delivery. I would not suggest sclerotherapy while pregnant or breastfeeding. I would recommend thigh high compression hose while pregnant to help minimize the development of the varicosities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 12, 2009

Spider veins and varicose veins typically do get worse with pregnancy. The symptoms sometimes lessen after delivery. With spider veins specifically, they sometimes fade in appearance after delivery but rarely go away. We will not use sclerotherapy on a women that is currently pregnant, but you could certainly have the treatment soon after delivery.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Spider veins and varicose veins typically do get worse with pregnancy. The symptoms sometimes lessen after delivery. With spider veins specifically, they sometimes fade in appearance after delivery but rarely go away. We will not use sclerotherapy on a women that is currently pregnant, but you could certainly have the treatment soon after delivery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center Houston

Published on Nov 12, 2009

All of venous problems (Varicose, spider or reticular veins) become more prominent during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, blood volume increase, etc. are responsible. They improve but do not usually disappear after pregnancy. In general, sclerotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

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Answered by Vein Center Houston

All of venous problems (Varicose, spider or reticular veins) become more prominent during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, blood volume increase, etc. are responsible. They improve but do not usually disappear after pregnancy. In general, sclerotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2009

Spiders veins and varicose veins arevery common as a consequence of pregnancy. Some will fade away after delivery, however they will re-occur and probably worsen with subsequent pregnancies. Sclerotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Spiders veins and varicose veins arevery common as a consequence of pregnancy. Some will fade away after delivery, however they will re-occur and probably worsen with subsequent pregnancies. Sclerotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 11, 2009

It is not known to my knowledge, the effects of sclerotherapy medications on pregnancy, therefore sclerotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It is not known to my knowledge, the effects of sclerotherapy medications on pregnancy, therefore sclerotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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