Pregnancy and Varicose Veins: What Every Mom-to-Be Should Know

Pregnancy is often described as a roller coaster — exciting, joyful, and at times a little uncomfortable. Along with morning sickness, swollen feet, or back pain, some women notice something else: bulging veins on their legs. These are called varicose veins, and they’re especially common in pregnant women.

If you’re dealing with them right now, you’re not alone. Studies suggest that up to 40% of pregnant women experience varicose veins at some stage. While most cases are harmless, they can bring annoying symptoms like heaviness, cramps while pregnant, and in rare cases even bleeding while pregnant. Let’s break this down in simple terms.

What Exactly Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that usually show up on the legs or feet. Instead of blood flowing smoothly upward to the heart, the valves inside these veins weaken, and blood starts to pool. That’s what makes them look raised, bluish, and rope-like.

Why Pregnancy Triggers Them

Pregnancy creates the perfect storm for varicose veins:

1. Hormonal changes – Progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, making veins stretch more easily.
2. Extra blood volume – A pregnant woman’s blood supply increases by nearly 50%. Great for the baby, but tough on the veins.
3. Pressure from the uterus – As the baby grows, the uterus presses on the main vein in the abdomen. This slows the return of blood from the legs.
4. Genetics – If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, chances are higher that you might too.

Signs You Might Notice

Some women barely notice their varicose veins apart from the way they look. For others, they bring clear discomfort:

• Swelling around ankles or calves
• Leg cramps while pregnant, especially at night
• A heavy or aching feeling in the legs
• Burning or itching over the veins
• Clearly visible, bulging veins
• Rarely, bleeding while pregnant if a vein bursts under pressure

Should You Worry?

The good news is most pregnancy-related varicose veins fade after delivery. But there are times you should take them seriously. Untreated severe cases can lead to skin changes, open sores, or even blood clots. None of these are common, but it’s wise to keep an eye on your symptoms.

If you feel sudden pain, notice one leg swelling more than the other, or experience shortness of breath, don’t wait. Call your doctor immediately.

Simple Relief Tips That Work

You don’t need to suffer in silence. Small lifestyle tweaks can bring real relief:

• Keep moving: Walking, swimming, or light yoga improves circulation.
• Elevate your legs: Rest with your legs propped up on a pillow.
• Support stockings: Compression socks may not look glamorous, but they really help.
• Change positions often: Don’t sit or stand for hours in one go.
• Sleep on your left side: This reduces pressure on the main abdominal vein.
• Healthy weight gain: Follow your doctor’s advice to avoid unnecessary strain.

When to Seek Medical Help

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Severe or persistent leg pain
• Varicose veins that bleed while pregnant
• Swelling that won’t go down
• Night cramps interfering with your sleep

Early care keeps both you and your baby safe.

Advanced Care in Hyderabad

At Laser Piles Clinic Hyderabad, we offer laser treatment for varicose veins that is:

• Quick (usually under an hour)
• Nearly painless
• Safe for new mothers after delivery
• Proven to give lasting relief

Whether your veins improve after childbirth or remain bothersome, you deserve comfort and confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let varicose veins steal your joy during pregnancy. Our experts at Laser Piles Hyderabad are here to guide you.

👉 Get Started with safe, advanced solutions today.