Varicose veins and spider veins

Why Venous Weakness Often Develops During Pregnancy

Varicose veins are often dismissed as a purely cosmetic issue—but many women discover during or after pregnancy that this isn’t true. Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the blood vessels can cause superficial veins to widen. This often starts with spider veins and, in some cases, can progress to varicose veins. Read on to learn everything about the causes of varicose veins, possible symptoms, and treatment options.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

If the connective tissue in the vein wall stretches, the venous valves can no longer function properly. Blood then flows back into the legs, which enlarges the superficial veins. This leads in a first step to so-called spider veins , which you can see through the skin as a fine, web-like network—especially on the legs. As the pressure in the veins continues to increase, they can expand further and develop into varicose veins . What you may notice are superficial, twisted, bluish veins that you can sometimes even feel. In medicine, these are also called varices.



Varicose veins and spider veins most commonly appear on the legs—or around the anus. However, they can also develop in the groin and, in rarer cases, in the genital area, especially on the labia.

Why do I get varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins can develop for various reasons. For example, a hereditary predisposition can lead to the formation of spider veins and varicose veins. A change in hormonal balance can also cause the tissue to loosen, making it more susceptible to venous weakness. During pregnancy, spider veins and varicose veins typically develop within the first three months. In addition to the causes mentioned above, other risk factors can also come into play during pregnancy, leading to a buildup of blood in the lower half of the body:

  • A baby is growing inside you, and your Blood volume increases by about 20 percent. The larger blood volume can put strain on your veins.

  • Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the superficial and deep veins expand . As the pressure in the veins increases, varicose veins can form.

  • Due to increasing weight , the pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis increases. During pregnancy—as the uterus grows—the pressure on the large abdominal vein increases as well. As a result, blood flows less effectively and can pool in the superficial veins.



What complaints may occur?

The enlargement of the veins can sometimes feel uncomfortable and restrict you in everyday life. Many women affected by venous insufficiency complain of heavy legs as well as swollen calves and ankles . You may also experience numbness in your legs or an itching sensation. Nighttime calf cramps and tingling in the legs are also not uncommon with varicose veins during pregnancy. Most importantly, varicose veins are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis , which is why you should always take them seriously. However, individual, thin varicose veins are usually harmless.



Phlebology focuses on vascular diseases and is therefore the right place to go if you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or warmth due to varicose veins or spider veins. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor to rule out phlebitis or thrombosis. If you haven’t seen a phlebologist before, you can also start by visiting your general practitioner.

Can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?

Not every woman develops varicose veins during or after Pregnancy . For that reason, it’s not possible to predict whether they will develop for you. Genetic factors also play a role. Preventive measures are not always successful, but they can still help relieve symptoms. Why not try the following tips:

  • Movement and rest in alternation : Regular movement promotes circulation in your legs. Walking, cycling, and water aerobics are especially suitable. If you sit for much of the day, try to add short movement breaks—for example, by taking a few steps or rotating your feet. If your legs swell and hurt, resting while lying on your left side can help, as it supports optimal blood circulation.

  • Alternating showers : Cold-warm alternating showers promote circulation and can help reduce swelling in the legs. Cold water causes the veins to contract, while warm water dilates the blood vessels.

  • Save your legs : In everyday life, you can take pressure off your legs by avoiding crossing them and by not letting chair edges press into them. It’s best to elevate your legs regularly and also at night—for example, by placing them on a pillow.

  • Compression stockings : To relieve pain caused by varicose veins, your doctor can prescribe compression stockings, which are custom-fitted for you at a medical supply store. Medical compression stockings are suitable for various conditions affecting the blood vessels and veins in the legs—including during pregnancy. Compression stockings or compression leggings for varicose veins apply pressure to the veins, helping blood flow back to the heart. Although new varicose veins can still develop despite wearing compression stockings during pregnancy, they can relieve pressure on the veins and reduce leg pain. Ideally, you should wear the compression stockings for four to six weeks after the end of your pregnancy.



Removing spider veins and varicose veins: Treatment options

The good news first: As soon as you have given birth to your child, the pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis decreases. For many women, this means that spider veins and varicose veins in the first few months after Birth recede on their own . Nevertheless, it may be that severe varicose veins that developed during pregnancy do not disappear. In these cases, you can have the varicose veins treated. The following treatment options are possible:

Remove side shoots

For the treatment of spider veins, a common method is sclerotherapy . A sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, causing the vessels to stick together. Over time, the spider veins are broken down by the body. An alternative is Laser Therapy , in which the veins are damaged, sealed, and closed using concentrated light energy.

Remove varicose veins

Varicose veins can also be removed if your symptoms are very severe. One option is Vein stripping . In this procedure, a doctor makes incisions below the groin and in the popliteal fossa or at the ankle, through which the vein can be tied off. The vein can then be pulled out completely. A Phlebectomy can also be used to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, the vein is pulled out with a hook, cut, and removed in small pieces.

The earlier you seek medical treatment, the sooner your pain can be relieved—so you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and time with your little explorer without discomfort. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help promptly if heavy, swollen legs limit you during the day or at night. We wish you a speedy recovery!

Foire aux questions

What to do about varicose veins during pregnancy?

The discomfort caused by varicose veins during and after pregnancy can, for example, be alleviated by wearing compression stockings or through suitable exercise such as water aerobics. After careful consideration, the varicose veins can also be removed.

Do varicose veins go away after pregnancy?

For many women, varicose veins disappear on their own within the first few months after childbirth. However, there is no guarantee of this. If severe varicose veins persist long after childbirth, you should seek medical advice and have the varicose veins removed if necessary.

How can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?

Varicose veins during pregnancy cannot always be successfully prevented, as hereditary predispositions can also favor the development of varicose veins. However, preventive measures mainly include alternating hot and cold showers, physical activity such as walking, cycling, and water aerobics, as well as rest periods in which the legs are elevated.

Varicose veins during pregnancy – when should I see a doctor?

If you are struggling with varicose veins during pregnancy, you should see a phlebologist. This vein specialist can rule out vein inflammation or thrombosis. Especially if you experience the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor: Severe pain in the legs Redness in the affected areas of the body Swollen legs Warmth

What do compression stockings do?

Wearing medical compression stockings supports the return of blood from the legs back to the heart. This is achieved through pressure exerted on the veins. People who wear compression stockings due to venous weakness report relief from their symptoms.

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