Vein Health Guides · Pregnancy

Leg Care During Pregnancy: Preventing Varicose Veins

Quick answer: Pregnancy hormones relax vein walls, blood volume rises and the growing womb presses on pelvic veins, so leg veins come under strain. To reduce varicose veins, walk daily, avoid standing or sitting still for long, raise your legs, sleep on your left side and wear medical compression stockings if your doctor agrees. Many pregnancy veins improve after birth.

Illustration of pregnancy and hormones as a cause of varicose veins, from LEDAS pregnancy leg care guide

Key facts at a glance

  • Hormones: female hormones weaken and relax vessel walls, making them easier to stretch.
  • Blood volume: rises in pregnancy, adding pressure to vein walls.
  • Womb pressure: the growing uterus presses on pelvic veins and slows return from the legs.
  • Common areas: legs, vulva (vulvar varicosities) and rectum (hemorrhoids).
  • After birth: many pregnancy-related veins shrink within months; some remain.
  • Treatment timing: procedures are usually postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are reviewed.
  • Clot risk: pregnancy raises DVT risk – know the warning signs.

Why do varicose veins appear in pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most common triggers for varicose veins in women . Three changes work together:

  1. Hormones: as LEDAS explains, female hormones weaken vessels and make them easier to stretch. Valves may then close less tightly.
  2. More blood: blood volume rises during pregnancy, and weight gain increases the load on vein walls.
  3. Pressure from the womb: as the baby grows, the uterus presses on the large pelvic veins, slowing blood flow from the legs.

Veins often appear or worsen with each pregnancy, and family history makes them more likely.

How can you care for your legs during pregnancy?

Keep moving

Walking at a comfortable pace every day keeps your calf muscle pump working. Swimming and water walking are especially good because water supports your weight and gently compresses your legs. Check with your obstetrician about exercise in your pregnancy.

Avoid staying still

Change position often. If you sit at work, stand and walk every 30–60 minutes. If you stand, shift your weight and walk around. Simple ankle pumps help anywhere. See exercises for healthy leg veins .

Raise your legs

Rest with your legs raised on pillows several times a day. Avoid lying flat on your back in later pregnancy; recline at an angle or lie on your side with legs supported.

Sleep on your left side

Lying on your left side takes pressure off the large vein on the right side of the abdomen that returns blood from the legs. A pillow between the knees adds comfort.

Medical compression stockings

LEDAS notes that medical compression stockings suit pregnant women as a conservative treatment that relieves symptoms and slows progression. Put them on in the morning before swelling builds. Ask your doctor which type and pressure is right; maternity versions are available.

Watch weight gain and salt

Healthy weight gain within your obstetrician's guidance and moderate salt intake help limit swelling. Fiber prevents constipation and straining, which also reduces hemorrhoids. See diet and vein health .

Avoid heat

Hot baths, saunas and hot tubs widen veins and are generally discouraged in pregnancy anyway.

Can varicose veins be treated during pregnancy?

Procedures such as laser or sclerotherapy are generally postponed during pregnancy. Many veins improve in the months after birth, so it makes sense to wait and reassess. See can I get treatment while pregnant .

If veins remain a few months after delivery, a duplex ultrasound shows whether reflux persists. Let the doctor know if you are breastfeeding, so treatment timing can be planned.

When should you get urgent help?

Pregnancy and the weeks after birth raise the risk of blood clots. Seek emergency care for:

  • Swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg.
  • Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood.

Contact your doctor for a hot, hard, tender vein (possible superficial thrombophlebitis ) or bleeding from a vein. Sudden swelling of the face and hands with headache can be a sign of pre-eclampsia and needs prompt assessment by your maternity team.

Leg care through pregnancy and after

Stage What's happening Leg care focus
First trimester Hormones relax vein walls Start daily walking; avoid long standing
Second trimester Blood volume rising Ask about compression stockings; raise legs
Third trimester Womb presses on pelvic veins Left-side sleeping, frequent rest with legs up
First weeks after birth Clot risk still raised Gentle walking; watch for DVT signs
3–6 months after birth Many veins shrink Ultrasound if veins or symptoms remain

Pregnancy leg care – frequently asked questions

  • Will my pregnancy varicose veins go away after birth?

    Many shrink noticeably in the months after delivery as hormones and blood volume return to normal. Some, especially after several pregnancies or with family history, remain. If veins or symptoms persist, an ultrasound can show whether there is ongoing reflux.

  • Are compression stockings safe in pregnancy?

    Medical compression stockings are widely used in pregnancy and LEDAS recommends them as conservative care for pregnant women. Ask your doctor for the right size and pressure, put them on in the morning, and stop if they cause pain, numbness or skin problems.

  • What are vulvar varicose veins?

    They are swollen veins in the vulva caused by pelvic vein pressure in pregnancy. They can feel heavy or uncomfortable, especially when standing. Supportive underwear, leg elevation and rest help. They usually improve after birth; tell your maternity team about them.

  • Should I treat varicose veins before my next pregnancy?

    It can be worth discussing. Treating existing reflux before another pregnancy may reduce strain, but new veins can still appear. A vein specialist can review your ultrasound and family plans to help you decide on timing.

About this page

Clinical information: LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer: Dr. Kim Byoung Joon · Review status: Pending · Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our editorial policy .

Related: Varicose veins in pregnancy · Treatment while pregnant · Stocking guide · DVT · Prevention tips

Veins still there after pregnancy? Get them checked

English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com