Patient Information

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen veins.  They appear most often in the legs, but can appear near the vulva and vagina.

They are caused by:

• Pressure from your uterus on your pelvic veins.
• Increased pressure on leg veins.
• The normal expanded blood volume of pregnancy.
• Relaxation of the muscle tissue in the veins caused by the hormones of pregnancy.

Varicose veins often occur if you must stand or sit for a long time.  They are not usually serious, but they can be uncomfortable.  There may be severe pain, mild aching, a sensation of heaviness, or no symptoms at all in the legs.  Varicose veins during pregnancy can be prevented or symptoms minimized by eliminating unnecessary pressure on the leg veins.

Helpful Hints

• Avoid excessive weight gain.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting.
• Elevate your legs above the level of the hips when possible.
• Lie down on your side with your legs raised.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Try wearing support stockings or your doctor can recommend special stockings.  Put them on before getting out of bed in the morning before the blood pools in your legs and remove the stockings before bed at night.
• Do not wear anything that binds your legs, such as tight bands around stocking or tight shoes.
• Do not smoke (there is a possible correlation between smoking and varicose veins).
• Get some exercise each day, such as a brisk 20 to 30 minutes walk.
• Get adequate amounts of Vitamin C which help veins stay healthy.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004