Is there anything I can do to prevent developing varicose veins during future pregnancies?

In my first pregnancy I did not have varicose veins. Now, in my second pregnancy, I've had moderate varicose veins since the fifth week of pregnancy. Will they go away after delivery? Is there anything I can do to prevent them from coming back again in the future if I choose to have more children?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 26, 2017

Varicose veins are generally an inherited problem. Pregnancy hormones cause dilation of the veins. After the first pregnancy they very often resolve. During the second and subsequent pregnancies the valves are damaged and do not keep the blood flowing normally. Again this is typically inherited. Your best course is to wear a compression stocking, 20-30 mmHg pressure and thigh length during your pregnancy. In some cases increasing the pressure to 30- 40 mmHg later in the pregnancy helps. Begin as soon as possible. Pregnant women are also more prone to blood clots. The veins may or may not resolve after pregnancy. I would advise an evaluation with a vascular surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins including ultrasound exam. This would be best done after your hormones return to normal after delivery/breast feeding.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Varicose veins are generally an inherited problem. Pregnancy hormones cause dilation of the veins. After the first pregnancy they very often resolve. During the second and subsequent pregnancies the valves are damaged and do not keep the blood flowing normally. Again this is typically inherited. Your best course is to wear a compression stocking, 20-30 mmHg pressure and thigh length during your pregnancy. In some cases increasing the pressure to 30- 40 mmHg later in the pregnancy helps. Begin as soon as possible. Pregnant women are also more prone to blood clots. The veins may or may not resolve after pregnancy. I would advise an evaluation with a vascular surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins including ultrasound exam. This would be best done after your hormones return to normal after delivery/breast feeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Metro Vein Centers

Published on Dec 26, 2017

Unfortunately pregnancy is a cause of varicose veins.

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Answered by Metro Vein Centers

Unfortunately pregnancy is a cause of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 24, 2014

Treatment would be the only option to make sure the veins do not have reflux in them during your pregnancy. The veins might not even shrink down after pregnancy either. Typically, it's the 2nd or 3rd pregnancy that the veins stay. If you do want them treated, then find a physician who is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. 6wks postpartum and a note from your OB is when you pursue treatment.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Treatment would be the only option to make sure the veins do not have reflux in them during your pregnancy. The veins might not even shrink down after pregnancy either. Typically, it's the 2nd or 3rd pregnancy that the veins stay. If you do want them treated, then find a physician who is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. 6wks postpartum and a note from your OB is when you pursue treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Jun 11, 2014

Hi,

The most important thing you can do is wear your compression stockings (or support hose)! Exercise is good, but avoid prolonged periods of standing, if possible. Elevate your legs when at rest. Much of what you are seeing will resolve after delivery. The best way to keep your legs healthy during your next pregnancy is to treat any persistent venous insufficiency after this pregnancy. Good luck!

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Hi,

The most important thing you can do is wear your compression stockings (or support hose)! Exercise is good, but avoid prolonged periods of standing, if possible. Elevate your legs when at rest. Much of what you are seeing will resolve after delivery. The best way to keep your legs healthy during your next pregnancy is to treat any persistent venous insufficiency after this pregnancy. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 09, 2014

They probably will not go away Don't have them fixed until you are done having children. You will need compression hose now.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

They probably will not go away Don't have them fixed until you are done having children. You will need compression hose now.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Jun 07, 2014

Your varicose veins may decrease after pregnancy, but there is still a chance you will need some treatment. Other than that, compression stockings, exercise and OTC supplements like horse chestnut seed extract, Rutin, Bioflavenoids and vitamin C might help.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Your varicose veins may decrease after pregnancy, but there is still a chance you will need some treatment. Other than that, compression stockings, exercise and OTC supplements like horse chestnut seed extract, Rutin, Bioflavenoids and vitamin C might help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Unfortunately there is no way to reverse varicose veins. They will not go away after delivery. Having them during and after pregnancy is common. You can have them treated after this pregnancy then wear compression stockings with subsequent pregnancies if you decide to have more children which may help re-occurrence or wait until you are done having kids and treat them. I would recommend evaluation for vein reflux and ablation with ambulatory phlebectomy rather than sclerotherapy for treatment. Especially if they are bulging.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Unfortunately there is no way to reverse varicose veins. They will not go away after delivery. Having them during and after pregnancy is common. You can have them treated after this pregnancy then wear compression stockings with subsequent pregnancies if you decide to have more children which may help re-occurrence or wait until you are done having kids and treat them. I would recommend evaluation for vein reflux and ablation with ambulatory phlebectomy rather than sclerotherapy for treatment. Especially if they are bulging.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 06, 2014

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves of the saphenous system . These valves stretch more during pregnancy leading to increased veins. After pregnancy the valves improve but many times continue to reflux and worsen with each pregnancy. The best thing to do would be to see a vein specialist and have the leaking valves treated by a closure procedure once your pregnancy is over.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves of the saphenous system . These valves stretch more during pregnancy leading to increased veins. After pregnancy the valves improve but many times continue to reflux and worsen with each pregnancy. The best thing to do would be to see a vein specialist and have the leaking valves treated by a closure procedure once your pregnancy is over.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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