Varicose Veins during Pregnancy

What are varicose veins?

Everyone has superficial veins in the legs. When these superficial veins get engorged with blood and appear blue, they are known as varicose veins. Varicose veins are most common on inside of the thigh and all along the leg up to the ankle. Varicose veins in general are harmless and in most cases are of a cosmetic nuisance.

Unlike the deep veins, blood clots in varicose veins are not of any concern. Women do not like varicose veins because they appear unattractive.

Varicose veins do become prominent in pregnancy chiefly because of the weight gain and also the growing fetus placing pressure on the superficial veins. Most women begin to show signs of varicose veins in the 2nd trimester.

Are Varicose veins during pregnancy permanent?

Not in all cases. Once the baby is delivered, there will be a dramatic relief in the varicose veins. However, at least 30% of women will have mild varicose veins left behind which will not go away. Further, some women may also develop spider veins around the thigh and buttock area.

How common are varicose veins during pregnancy?

During the first pregnancy, at least 30% of women will develop mild to moderate degree of varicose veins. With subsequent pregnancies, almost 50-80% of women will develop varicose veins. The varicose veins generally occur in the thigh and leg area. In some women, the varicose vein may also occur on the vagina, vulva, and groin area.

Where else can varicose veins develop?

Besides the legs, varicose veins are rare elsewhere in the body. Both hemorrhoids and Varicocele are other examples of varicose veins. Women who develop varicose veins during pregnancy are also more prone to hemorrhoids.