Pregnancy

Varicose veins in pregnancy

Article By

Kate

Published On

19 Jan, 2026

Read Time

4 minutes

Pregnancy varicose veins are commonly caused by an increased blood volume, hormonal changes such as a spike in progesterone, pressure from the womb, reduced circulation, it not being your first pregnancy, and even genetics.

To treat varicose veins in pregnancy, try using compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve circulation, ensure you move regularly, keep your legs elevated, sleep on your left side to reduce pressure on major veins, avoid standing or sitting for long periods, wear comfortable footwear and avoid tight clothing.

While it might not always be possible to prevent varicose veins in pregnancy, there are measures you can take to help, including keeping active with safe exercises, avoiding crossing your legs while sat, elevating your feet whenever possible, wearing compression stockings if recommended to, and staying hydrated while eating a fibre-rich diet.

Noticing bulging or swollen veins during pregnancy can be worrying, but varicose veins during pregnancy are very common and, in most cases, harmless.

Understanding why they happen, what’s normal, and how they can be managed can offer much-needed peace of mind during this exciting but sometimes uncomfortable time.

This guide explains varicose veins in pregnancy, what causes them, when to worry, and how they’re treated.

What causes varicose veins in pregnancy?

Varicose veins occur when veins become enlarged, twisted, and overfilled with blood.

There are many symptoms you can experience during pregnancy – which you can read about here – due to your body changing. Varicose veins can be caused by:

Increased blood volume – Your body produces more blood to support your growing baby, putting extra pressure on your veins.
Hormonal changes – Higher levels of progesterone relax the walls of blood vessels, making it easier for veins to stretch.
Pressure from the womb – As your uterus grows, it presses on the large veins in your pelvis, slowing blood flow from the legs.
Reduced circulation – Blood from the legs has to work harder to travel back to the heart.
Genetics – If varicose veins run in your family, you may be more prone to developing them.
Multiple pregnancies – The risk increases with each pregnancy.

Varicose veins commonly appear in the legs, but some women develop a varicose vein on the vulva in pregnancy. These are known as vulvar varicose veins, and while they can feel alarming, they are usually temporary and manageable.

Do varicose veins go away after pregnancy?

For many women, the answer is yes. After birth, hormone levels settle, pressure on the veins reduces, and circulation improves. As a result:

Mild varicose veins often fade or disappear within 3–6 months

Vulvar varicose veins usually improve quickly after delivery

Heaviness and aching often reduce significantly

However, some varicose veins may not fully disappear, especially if they were severe, present before pregnancy, or if there’s a strong family history.

If varicose veins after pregnancy remain painful or unsightly, treatment options are available once you’ve finished breastfeeding.

The signs of varicose veins

Varicose veins can look and feel different for everyone. Common signs include:

Blue, purple, or bulging veins under the skin
Aching, throbbing, or heavy legs
Swelling in the feet or ankles
Itching around affected veins
Cramping or restlessness, especially at night
A feeling of pressure or fullness

In the case of vulvar varicose veins in pregnancy, symptoms may include swelling, discomfort when standing or walking, or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area.

Most varicose veins are not dangerous, but you should speak to your midwife or GP if you notice:

Sudden, severe pain in one leg
Redness, heat, or hardness around a vein
Significant swelling in one leg only
Skin changes, such as sores or darkening

These symptoms may require further assessment to rule out complications such as a blood clot.

How to treat varicose veins during pregnancy

While medical procedures are usually postponed until after pregnancy, varicose veins pregnancy treatment focuses on easing symptoms and preventing them from worsening.

Common NHS-recommended approaches include:

Compression stockings – These improve circulation and reduce swelling. Your midwife or GP can advise on the correct type.
Regular movement – Gentle walking encourages blood flow.
Leg elevation – Raising your legs whenever possible helps blood return to the heart.
Sleeping on your left side – This reduces pressure on major veins and improves circulation.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods – Change position frequently.
Comfortable footwear – Flat or low-heeled shoes can help calf muscles work more effectively.
Avoid tight clothing – Especially around the waist, groin, or thighs.

For vulvar varicose veins in pregnancy treatment, supportive underwear, pelvic support garments, and rest can significantly reduce discomfort.

How to prevent varicose veins in pregnancy

While varicose veins can’t always be prevented, especially if genetics play a role, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

Stay active with pregnancy-safe exercises
Avoid crossing your legs when sitting
Elevate your feet whenever possible
Wear compression stockings early if recommended
Stay hydrated and eat a fibre-rich diet to avoid constipation

These measures also support overall circulation and can reduce discomfort as your pregnancy progresses. You can read our tips for more pregnancy self-care here.

Experiencing varicose veins pregnancy-related changes can feel unsettling, but they are extremely common and rarely harmful. For most women, symptoms improve naturally after birth, and effective treatments are available if they persist.

If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable, your midwife, GP or healthcare team is there to support you. Pregnancy brings many changes, and you don’t have to face them alone.