Why can't you get sclerotherapy done when pregnant?

Why can't you get sclerotherapy done when pregnant?

Answers from doctors (8)


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 30, 2011

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing drug into the veins. This product could potentially reach the baby. It is not know the effect of sclerosing agents in the babies, therefore is better to avoid it competely.
You will be better off doing any vein treatment after the pregnancy and before the next pregnancy.
Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing drug into the veins. This product could potentially reach the baby. It is not know the effect of sclerosing agents in the babies, therefore is better to avoid it competely.
You will be better off doing any vein treatment after the pregnancy and before the next pregnancy.
Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 30, 2011

No one knows the potential effects on the fetus of the sclerosant medications. This has not been studied. Furthermore there is an increased risk of blood clotting when one is pregnant.
Also, many veins improve after pregnancy anyway and don't need treatment.
Note that it is not advised to do injections while breastfeeding as well.
Michael Ingegno MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

No one knows the potential effects on the fetus of the sclerosant medications. This has not been studied. Furthermore there is an increased risk of blood clotting when one is pregnant.
Also, many veins improve after pregnancy anyway and don't need treatment.
Note that it is not advised to do injections while breastfeeding as well.
Michael Ingegno MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 30, 2011

While there are no documented studies on the effects of scerosants on the fetus, you will find that most reputable practitioners will err on the side of caution and not inject someone who is pregnant.
In our practices we ask each patient prior to each treatment if they are pregnant. Why take the chance?
Additionally, during pregnancy the hormones relax veins and cause dilatation which could make treatments ineffective. It is better to wait for about 3 months post delivery or weaning.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

While there are no documented studies on the effects of scerosants on the fetus, you will find that most reputable practitioners will err on the side of caution and not inject someone who is pregnant.
In our practices we ask each patient prior to each treatment if they are pregnant. Why take the chance?
Additionally, during pregnancy the hormones relax veins and cause dilatation which could make treatments ineffective. It is better to wait for about 3 months post delivery or weaning.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 30, 2011

Because it is elective and if anything adverse occurred during or after
delivery with mother or fetus/infant, related or unrelated to the
sclerosant, it would be indefensible. If you want to try laser sclero
therapy or veingogh or vein wave that is a different story since there is
nothing injected during either of these procedures.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Because it is elective and if anything adverse occurred during or after
delivery with mother or fetus/infant, related or unrelated to the
sclerosant, it would be indefensible. If you want to try laser sclero
therapy or veingogh or vein wave that is a different story since there is
nothing injected during either of these procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

Published on Mar 30, 2011

I recommend not to do any invasive treatment for varicose or spider
veins when pregnant. many of these veins regress after pregnancy.

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Answered by Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

I recommend not to do any invasive treatment for varicose or spider
veins when pregnant. many of these veins regress after pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Mar 30, 2011

It is an a medication that is introduced intravenously. This may affect your unborn child. Have it done after you deliver and are done breastfeeding.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

It is an a medication that is introduced intravenously. This may affect your unborn child. Have it done after you deliver and are done breastfeeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 30, 2011

Sclerotherapy, as many other injectables, are not recommended during pregnancy primarily for fetal safety reasons. No one would want to put a developing fetus at unnecessary risk. Although there are no specific reports of which I am aware concerning fetal risk with sclerotherapy solutions, I would never recommend performing an elective invasive procedure, no matter how minor, during pregnancy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Sclerotherapy, as many other injectables, are not recommended during pregnancy primarily for fetal safety reasons. No one would want to put a developing fetus at unnecessary risk. Although there are no specific reports of which I am aware concerning fetal risk with sclerotherapy solutions, I would never recommend performing an elective invasive procedure, no matter how minor, during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Mar 30, 2011

It is best to avoid introducing drugs into the bloodstream during prenancy since the drugs could affect the baby in unknown ways. Testing for safety in pregnancy is time-consuming and expensive and there has been no testing for use in pregnancy for the commonly used sclerosants. A rare patient may develop deep vein thrombosis after sclerotherapy and pregnancy would immensely complicate treatment of DVT. Pregnancy also increases the risk of DVT and it would be unwise to add sclerotherapy to this risk.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

It is best to avoid introducing drugs into the bloodstream during prenancy since the drugs could affect the baby in unknown ways. Testing for safety in pregnancy is time-consuming and expensive and there has been no testing for use in pregnancy for the commonly used sclerosants. A rare patient may develop deep vein thrombosis after sclerotherapy and pregnancy would immensely complicate treatment of DVT. Pregnancy also increases the risk of DVT and it would be unwise to add sclerotherapy to this risk.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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