Pregnancy and Post-pregnancy Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins during pregnancy are common, usually not dangerous, and are most often managed safely without procedures until after delivery.

If you have noticed new bulging veins, aching, heaviness, or swelling in your legs during pregnancy, simple measures such as wearing compression stockings, engaging in regular walking, and elevating your legs are usually enough to control symptoms until after childbirth.

Why varicose veins develop during pregnancy

Pregnancy places extra strain on the veins in your legs. Blood volume increases, and pregnancy hormones relax the vein walls. The growing womb puts pressure on the veins in the pelvis that help drain blood from the legs. Together, these changes make it harder for blood to flow upwards, allowing veins to stretch and become visible.

Common symptoms

• Aching or heaviness in the legs, especially later in the day


• Swelling around the ankles or calves


• Throbbing, burning or itching over visible veins


• Symptoms worsening with prolonged standing or warm weather

Are varicose veins dangerous during pregnancy?

For most women, varicose veins are uncomfortable rather than harmful and do not affect the baby.

Pregnancy slightly increases the risk of superficial vein inflammation or skin irritation, but serious complications are uncommon. Sudden severe pain, redness, marked swelling, or breathlessness should always be assessed urgently.

Safe management during pregnancy

National guidance recommends conservative management during pregnancy. This focuses on symptom relief rather than procedures, as pregnancy-related vein changes often improve after delivery.

• Graduated compression stockings to reduce aching and swelling


• Regular walking to improve circulation


• Leg elevation when resting


• Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting

Why treatment is usually delayed

Interventional treatments such as injections or laser procedures are not routinely offered during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can affect treatment results, and many veins improve naturally after childbirth. Assessment and treatment can be considered once pregnancy-related changes have settled.

After pregnancy

Many varicose veins improve within three to six months after delivery. If symptoms persist, a specialist assessment is recommended.

Post‑pregnancy varicose vein symptoms: how to get help in our one‑stop clinic

If you’re experiencing varicose vein symptoms after pregnancy, such as aching, heaviness, swelling, visible veins or skin irritation, you can self‑refer directly to our one‑stop clinic in Swindon for a clear diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan. At this visit, you’ll meet a consultant vascular surgeon who will take a focused history, examine your legs and perform a same‑day duplex ultrasound scan to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. You’ll leave with a clear explanation of what’s happening, the treatment options available, and a written plan tailored to your goals, whether that’s symptom relief, preventing future problems, or improving appearance.

More detailed information about varicose veins and how we manage them using national guidelines, is available from the NICE guidance and here.

Frequently asked questions

Will varicose veins go away after pregnancy?

Many improve within a few months of delivery, although some may persist, particularly after multiple pregnancies.

Are compression stockings safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Compression stockings are commonly used during pregnancy and can help reduce leg discomfort and swelling. We can assist with their supervised measurement and prescription.

Can varicose veins be treated while pregnant?

Treatment is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Management focuses on symptom relief until after delivery.

When should I seek urgent advice?

Sudden one-sided leg swelling, severe pain, chest pain, or breathlessness should be assessed urgently. If you develop painful and hard red lumps over the varicose veins, this may be a sign of phlebitis. Please seek urgent medical advice to have a full assessment and scan. Phlebitis can progress to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if left untreated.