During pregnancy, your blood volume dramatically increases, and your progesterone levels rise. The weight of your growing uterus is also  a concern, as these factors in combination increase pressure on your veins, making blood more likely to pool instead of returning to your heart. In turn, that increases your risk for varicose veins in pregnancy.  In fact, up to 50% of women develop this vascular concern. However, with proper care, many women can prevent this development. And, if varicose veins do develop, our vascular specialists in Georgia can provide minimally invasive treatment following the completion of your pregnancy.

Preventing Varicose Veins in Pregnancy: Start Before Conception

If you’re thinking of starting or expanding your family, you may want to get a baseline vein health assessment prior to becoming pregnant. By coming into one of our three locations in the greater Atlanta region, you can receive an ultrasound vein evaluation. The results of this non-invasive diagnostic test can help us guide your care throughout your pregnancy, reducing your risk for varicose veins or other complications, such as blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT.)

Prevention During Pregnancy

Before, during (and even after) pregnancy, you can strengthen your vein health with simple lifestyle changes. First, try to get more movement every day—something as simple as walking can improve blood circulation and reduce your risk for varicose veins during pregnancy. You can also change your sleeping position, lying on your left side at night to reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from your legs to your heart. And, to further reduce pooling blood in your lower legs—in turn reducing your risk for varicose veins—try to elevate your legs above the level of your heart at the end of each day, ideally for at least 15 minutes. After seeing you in the office, our vascular specialists may also recommend wearing compression stockings during pregnancy to support healthy circulation and reduce your risk for all forms of vein disease.

Treating Varicose Veins Caused by Pregnancy

If these tips do not provide sufficient prevention, and varicose veins do form during pregnancy, we are here to help once you’ve delivered your baby. (We typically suggest waiting three to six months after delivery before seeking treatment.) From sclerotherapy to radiofrequency ablation and more, we offer minimally invasive treatments to resolve everything from spider veins to varicose veins.  They can all be performed without invasive incisions, general anesthesia or the need for an overnight hospital stay. And you can begin exploring your options by reaching out to our team to Schedule an Appointment request a consultation [/ga-appt-link.]