Pregnancy is a time of incredible change and care for both you and your baby. As your body works harder to support your growing baby, it is common to experience circulation-related changes, including varicose veins, leg swelling, heaviness, or discomfort. Thankfully, if your symptoms continue after pregnancy, treatment options may help improve your comfort and vein health.
At Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics in Puyallup, Washington, Dr. Mark Kim, a board-certified MD, RVT, and RPVI, is a highly experienced vein and aesthetic specialist with more than 20 years of experience treating venous disorders, supported by a team of medical and aesthetic professionals. Understanding what varicose veins are is the first step in recognizing why they commonly develop during pregnancy.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that commonly appear in the legs and feet. They develop when vein valves do not move blood back toward the heart as well as they should, allowing blood to collect and stretch the vein.
They may look blue, purple, bulging, or twisted beneath the skin and can sometimes cause symptoms like heaviness, swelling, aching, or tired legs.
Why Do Varicose Veins Develop During Pregnancy?
Varicose veins during pregnancy are often linked to changes happening within the body. They may develop due to:
- Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support your growing baby. This added pressure can strain vein walls and valves.
- Hormonal changes: Higher progesterone levels relax blood vessel walls, making veins more likely to swell.
- Pressure from the uterus: As the uterus expands, it can compress pelvic veins, reducing healthy blood flow back to the heart.
- Family history of vein disease: Women with a family history of varicose veins may be more likely to develop them during pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancies: The risk of varicose veins can increase with each pregnancy, as the veins are repeatedly subjected to pressure and changes in circulation.
Managing Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, varicose vein care typically focuses on education, symptom management, and monitoring. Your OB-GYN may recommend steps such as wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, staying active, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins After Pregnancy
After pregnancy, some varicose veins improve on their own, while others may continue to cause discomfort or visible vein changes. Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics offers several options after pregnancy to help manage varicose veins and support vein health, such as:
- Sclerotherapy: A minimally invasive treatment that uses a special solution to close small varicose or spider veins.
- Venous Ablation: A treatment that uses heat energy to close unhealthy veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.
- VenaSeal™: A medical adhesive treatment that seals affected veins without the need for heat or multiple injections.
- Phlebectomy: A procedure that removes larger varicose veins through tiny openings in the skin.
Schedule a Vein Consultation With Us
If varicose veins continue to cause discomfort after pregnancy, a vein evaluation can help you understand your treatment options.
Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics proudly serves patients throughout Puyallup, Washington, with compassionate, advanced vein care. Call us at (253) 268-3400 to book an appointment.