Varicose Veins
Swollen, twisted veins visible under skin, usually in legs. Caused by increased blood volume and pressure from growing uterus.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually appears second or third trimester, worsens as pregnancy progresses
📊 How Common
Affects 20-40% of pregnant women
Overview
Varicose veins appear as enlarged, twisted, blue or purple veins visible just under your skin's surface. They most commonly occur in the legs but can also develop in the vulva (vulvar varicosities) during pregnancy.
These occur when valves in your veins weaken or fail, allowing blood to pool and veins to swell. Pregnancy increases risk due to increased blood volume, hormones that relax vein walls, and pressure from your uterus slowing blood return from your legs.
While often just a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, and discomfort. They often improve after delivery but may not disappear completely, especially with subsequent pregnancies.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Rare, usually not visible yet
Second Trimester
May begin appearing as blood volume increases
Third Trimester
Most pronounced as weight and pressure peak
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Increased blood volume putting pressure on veins
- •Progesterone hormone relaxing vein walls
- •Growing uterus compressing pelvic veins and impeding blood flow
- •Weight gain adding pressure to leg veins
- •Hereditary predisposition
- •Standing for long periods
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Wear graduated compression stockings (20-30 mmHg)
- ✓Elevate legs above heart level whenever possible
- ✓Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods
- ✓Exercise regularly - walking, swimming promote circulation
- ✓Sleep on your left side to take pressure off major vein (inferior vena cava)
- ✓Avoid crossing your legs when sitting
- ✓Maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy
- ✓Avoid constrictive clothing around waist and legs
- ✓Stay cool - heat makes veins dilate more
- ✓Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support
- ✓Do ankle circles and leg exercises throughout the day
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Sudden worsening or severe pain in one leg
- ⚠Leg is red, swollen, warm, or tender (possible blood clot)
- ⚠Skin changes over varicose veins (darkening, hardening)
- ⚠Bleeding from a varicose vein
- ⚠Ulcer or sore near a varicose vein
- ⚠Vulvar varicosities causing severe pain
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: