It is not uncommon to develop- varicose veins in pregnancy. This usually occurs in the first trimester. As the pregnancy progresses, these veins usually enlarge and can be very symptomatic.

Most symptoms can be somewhat alleviated by conservative treatment. This treatment includes elevation of the legs and compression stockings.

If a blood clot occurs, then further treatment may be needed. Often the veins decrease in size after delivery, but repeated pregnancies cause persistence of veins with increase in symptoms occurring.

If possible, treatment of any veins should be postponed until no further pregnancies are contemplated. Veins will reoccur with pregnancy undoing the previous treatments. However, some conditions will require treatment such as spontaneous bleeds or blood clots.

Ron Bush, MD, FACS
Peggy Bush, APN, CNS, MSN