Why do Varicose Veins get worse during pregnancy?

Is the association between Varicose Veins and pregnancy because of the weight gained during pregnancy? Or are there other factors involved?

Answers from doctors (8)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Aug 03, 2021

Varicose veins usually get worse - or develop for the first time - during pregnancy. It is not simply due to weight gain but is in part due to the enlarging uterus compressing veins exiting the lower extremities and in part on the effects of the altered hormone status directly on the veins (the smooth muscle surrounding these veins).

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Varicose veins usually get worse - or develop for the first time - during pregnancy. It is not simply due to weight gain but is in part due to the enlarging uterus compressing veins exiting the lower extremities and in part on the effects of the altered hormone status directly on the veins (the smooth muscle surrounding these veins).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 03, 2012

The main reason for worsening varicose veins during pregnancy is the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the surrounding pelvic veins resulting in increase venous back pressure. This leads to reflux or back flow of blood resulting in varicose veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The main reason for worsening varicose veins during pregnancy is the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the surrounding pelvic veins resulting in increase venous back pressure. This leads to reflux or back flow of blood resulting in varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 09, 2010

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormones are released that cause relaxation of veins. This promotes blood to go in the wrong direction (reflux) which may cause varicose veins. The fact that most varicose veins appear during the first trimester suggests that it has more to do with hormones than with weight gained.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormones are released that cause relaxation of veins. This promotes blood to go in the wrong direction (reflux) which may cause varicose veins. The fact that most varicose veins appear during the first trimester suggests that it has more to do with hormones than with weight gained.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on May 19, 2010

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormones are released that cause relaxation of veins. This promotes blood to go in the wrong direction (reflux) which may cause varicose veins. The fact that most varicose veins appear during the first trimester suggests that it does not have to do with weight gained.

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Answered by Miller Vein

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormones are released that cause relaxation of veins. This promotes blood to go in the wrong direction (reflux) which may cause varicose veins. The fact that most varicose veins appear during the first trimester suggests that it does not have to do with weight gained.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 18, 2010

Due to many factors, fluid gain, pressure on the pelvic veins, the relaxing effects of may hormones. increased blood volume.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Due to many factors, fluid gain, pressure on the pelvic veins, the relaxing effects of may hormones. increased blood volume.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on May 18, 2010

The more important issues are stretching of the veins due to hormonal changes and the pressure on the pelvic veins by the enlarged uterus. This results in higher pressures in the leg veins which stretch even further.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

The more important issues are stretching of the veins due to hormonal changes and the pressure on the pelvic veins by the enlarged uterus. This results in higher pressures in the leg veins which stretch even further.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on May 18, 2010

It is due to multiple factors but likely mostly from increased venous pressures in the lower extremities from an enlarged uterus that compresses the pelvic veins and the largest vein in your abdomen.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

It is due to multiple factors but likely mostly from increased venous pressures in the lower extremities from an enlarged uterus that compresses the pelvic veins and the largest vein in your abdomen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center Houston

Published on May 18, 2010

Yes there is an association. The development or worsening of Varicose Veins during pregnancy is caused by the following:
1. The increase in blood volume which is mostly accommodated by the veins.
2. The influence of hormones which relax smooth muscle in the body including the veins.
3. The pressure of the enlarging uterus on the pelvic veins obstructing the drainage from the lower extremities

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Answered by Vein Center Houston

Yes there is an association. The development or worsening of Varicose Veins during pregnancy is caused by the following:
1. The increase in blood volume which is mostly accommodated by the veins.
2. The influence of hormones which relax smooth muscle in the body including the veins.
3. The pressure of the enlarging uterus on the pelvic veins obstructing the drainage from the lower extremities

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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