Why do varicose veins worsen during each pregnancy?

Answers from doctors (16)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Feb 17, 2020

The reason is that multiple pregnancies is one of the risk factors that contribute to the presence of venous reflux. Other factors that contribute to these include age, gender, family history, heavy lifting, obesity, and prolonged standing. Using ultrasound to scan your legs, the vein specialist will determine if venous reflux is present. Consider a visit to a vein specialist for a full evaluation including the ultrasound scan.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

The reason is that multiple pregnancies is one of the risk factors that contribute to the presence of venous reflux. Other factors that contribute to these include age, gender, family history, heavy lifting, obesity, and prolonged standing. Using ultrasound to scan your legs, the vein specialist will determine if venous reflux is present. Consider a visit to a vein specialist for a full evaluation including the ultrasound scan.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kansas Surgical Arts

Published on Oct 31, 2013

During pregnancy your body goes through may changes, including an increase in blood volume and an increase in weight. Both of those can contribute to the formation of varicose veins. Once the veins become incompetent they stay that way, so as those conditions arise with recurrent pregnancies the veins could bulge more.

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Answered by Kansas Surgical Arts

During pregnancy your body goes through may changes, including an increase in blood volume and an increase in weight. Both of those can contribute to the formation of varicose veins. Once the veins become incompetent they stay that way, so as those conditions arise with recurrent pregnancies the veins could bulge more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Oct 23, 2013

These changes are secondary to hormonal changes, and increased blood volume will increase pressure on the veins.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

These changes are secondary to hormonal changes, and increased blood volume will increase pressure on the veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Oct 23, 2013

When pregnant, the increase in blood volume expands the size of the veins. Those that are insufficient will hurt more due to the pooling of blood that is caused by the valves not functioning properly and allowing for good circulation.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

When pregnant, the increase in blood volume expands the size of the veins. Those that are insufficient will hurt more due to the pooling of blood that is caused by the valves not functioning properly and allowing for good circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 15, 2013

During pregnancy, there is a large hormonal shift. Also, there is up to a 30% increase in blood volume, and vein dilation is increased. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the veins in the back of the pelvis when lying on your back causing some obstruction. Additionally, pressure in the leg veins is increased. All of these factors boost a woman's risk for having varicose veins.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

During pregnancy, there is a large hormonal shift. Also, there is up to a 30% increase in blood volume, and vein dilation is increased. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the veins in the back of the pelvis when lying on your back causing some obstruction. Additionally, pressure in the leg veins is increased. All of these factors boost a woman's risk for having varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 15, 2013

Varicose veins following pregnancy are very common because pregnancy stretches the saphenous vein valves, which results in their leaking (refluxing). The hormones, especially progesterone, and fluid retention have the largest role. The increased venous pressure leads to the varicose veins.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Varicose veins following pregnancy are very common because pregnancy stretches the saphenous vein valves, which results in their leaking (refluxing). The hormones, especially progesterone, and fluid retention have the largest role. The increased venous pressure leads to the varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 15, 2013

Varicose veins and venous disease are hereditary for both men and women. For women, however, the condition can be exacerbated by pregnancy and its accompanying hormonal changes. That is why it is often advisable for female patients to wait until they are finished having children before considering any therapeutic vein work.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Varicose veins and venous disease are hereditary for both men and women. For women, however, the condition can be exacerbated by pregnancy and its accompanying hormonal changes. That is why it is often advisable for female patients to wait until they are finished having children before considering any therapeutic vein work.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 15, 2013

Varicose veins get worse with pregnancy because during the pregnant state, there is significant increase in estrogen, progesterone and relaxin. All of these hormones make it possible to carry a baby. Unfortunately, part of carrying a baby is allowing for an increase in blood flow, which is made possible by these hormones. Essentially, these hormones allow the veins/vessels to dilate to allow for increased flow. However, when veins dilate in this manner, even after the hormones decrease after delivery, the veins do not return to baseline. This is why abnormal veins just continue to get bigger and bigger with each subsequent pregnancy.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Varicose veins get worse with pregnancy because during the pregnant state, there is significant increase in estrogen, progesterone and relaxin. All of these hormones make it possible to carry a baby. Unfortunately, part of carrying a baby is allowing for an increase in blood flow, which is made possible by these hormones. Essentially, these hormones allow the veins/vessels to dilate to allow for increased flow. However, when veins dilate in this manner, even after the hormones decrease after delivery, the veins do not return to baseline. This is why abnormal veins just continue to get bigger and bigger with each subsequent pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 15, 2013

The hormone balance which supports pregnancy is stressful for veins and can cause damage which is additive with each successive pregnancy. Added to that is the extra pelvic pressure from the baby, which compresses veins and additional blood volume of pregnancy, making a "perfect storm" for people prone to varicose veins.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

The hormone balance which supports pregnancy is stressful for veins and can cause damage which is additive with each successive pregnancy. Added to that is the extra pelvic pressure from the baby, which compresses veins and additional blood volume of pregnancy, making a "perfect storm" for people prone to varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 15, 2013

The hormones of pregnancy cause the veins to dilate further.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The hormones of pregnancy cause the veins to dilate further.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 15, 2013

Varicose veins typically do appear or get worse, especially if you have a family history of them. The hormones of pregnancy dilate the veins to carry extra blood volume for the baby. We advise wearing measured and fitted compression stockings to slow down the development and make your legs more comfortable. No treatments should be done while pregnant or breast feeding. Wait until the hormones settle to normal as some veins may disappear.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Varicose veins typically do appear or get worse, especially if you have a family history of them. The hormones of pregnancy dilate the veins to carry extra blood volume for the baby. We advise wearing measured and fitted compression stockings to slow down the development and make your legs more comfortable. No treatments should be done while pregnant or breast feeding. Wait until the hormones settle to normal as some veins may disappear.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 14, 2013

Increased venous pressure and blood volume during pregnancy, as well as pregnancy hormones, weaken the connective tissue of the venous valves.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Increased venous pressure and blood volume during pregnancy, as well as pregnancy hormones, weaken the connective tissue of the venous valves.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Oct 14, 2013

During pregnancy there is more blood in your body and, therefore, more blood refluxing through the dysfunctional veins (down the legs), which fills the varicose veins even more.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

During pregnancy there is more blood in your body and, therefore, more blood refluxing through the dysfunctional veins (down the legs), which fills the varicose veins even more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 14, 2013

When pregnancy occurs, you get more blood in your system, and that enlarges the veins.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

When pregnancy occurs, you get more blood in your system, and that enlarges the veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Oct 14, 2013

Hormonal changes and weight gain all occur during pregnancy, which can lead to varicose veins.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Hormonal changes and weight gain all occur during pregnancy, which can lead to varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 14, 2013

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning (refluxing) of the valves, usually in the saphenous system. During pregnancy (and with each subsequent pregnancy), the valves continue to get stretched and further weaken. This is due to increased venous pressure in the veins, hormonal changes and increased volume changes during pregnancy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning (refluxing) of the valves, usually in the saphenous system. During pregnancy (and with each subsequent pregnancy), the valves continue to get stretched and further weaken. This is due to increased venous pressure in the veins, hormonal changes and increased volume changes during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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