Do Varicose Veins Go Away After Pregnancy? What to Expect

Ah, pregnancy – a time of wonder, excitement, and… unexpected body changes. While you’re busy marveling at your growing bump and dreaming of tiny toes, you might have noticed some unwelcome guests making an appearance: varicose veins. These raised, twisted lines snaking across your legs weren’t exactly part of the pregnancy glow you imagined, were they? If you’re like many expectant moms, you’re probably hoping these unsightly veins will pack their bags and leave once your little one arrives. Well, let’s dive in and explore what you can really expect after delivery, and what options you have if those stubborn veins decide to overstay their welcome. After all, you’ve got enough on your plate with a newborn – the last thing you need is to worry about your legs!

The Prevalence of Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Varicose veins are a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting approximately 40% of pregnant women. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding this condition and its implications for maternal health.

Why Do Varicose Veins Develop During Pregnancy?

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins during pregnancy:

1. Increased Blood Volume: During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 20%. This extra blood puts additional pressure on your veins, especially in the legs.
2. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, cause the walls of blood vessels to relax, making it easier for veins to dilate.
3. Uterine Growth: As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of your body (the inferior vena cava).  This inhibits the blood flow back to the heart from the legs and increases the venous pressure in those veins trying to push the blood upwards.
4. Weight Gain: The natural weight gain during pregnancy adds extra pressure on your legs, further stressing the veins.

Do Varicose Veins Go Away After Pregnancy?

The good news is that for many women, varicose veins can improve after giving birth. Here’s what you can expect:

• In many women, varicose veins developed during pregnancy will start to recede within three months after delivery.
• Around 30-40% of women will have ones that remain over the next four months.
• If vessels remain or cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, heavy or tired legs, they need to be checked out by a knowledgeable provider.  Long term vessels are a sign of a deeper problem. 

Factors that may influence persistence include:

• Having multiple pregnancies
• Age (women over 35 are at higher risk)
• Family history of varicose veins
• Pre-existing vein issues before pregnancy

What If My Varicose Veins Don’t Go Away?

If your varicose veins persist beyond 3-4 months postpartum, it’s advisable to consult with a vascular specialist. There are several effective treatment options available:

1. Conservative Measures: These include wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures: These include:
   • Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to collapse smaller veins
   • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Similar to EVLT, but uses radiofrequency energy
   • Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): Uses laser energy to seal off larger varicose veins
   • VenaSeal: A newer technique that uses medical adhesive to close affected veins
   • Phlebectomy: removing the superficial, bulging vein and closing the vessel feeding it

These procedures have shown high success rates with minimal side effects and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical approaches such as vein stripping which should rarely be used today. .

When Should I Seek Treatment?

You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Swelling that doesn’t improve
• Skin changes or discoloration around the veins
• Any signs of infection or inflammation
• The vessels are still visible 4 months after pregnancy

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Vein Health

While many women will see their pregnancy-related varicose veins disappear naturally, some may require additional care. If you’re concerned about persistent varicose veins after pregnancy, it’s important to seek professional advice.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, we understand the unique challenges that pregnancy-related varicose veins can present. Our team of board-certified specialists is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and extensive experience in treating varicose veins with minimally invasive procedures.

Don’t let persistent postpartum varicose veins impact your confidence or quality of life. Contact Colorado Skin & Vein today for a free consultation. Our experts will provide a personalized assessment and discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Call us at 303.683.3235 to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you regain comfort and confidence.