Can I avoid getting varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a relatively common occurrence in pregnancy in fact probably just over a third of women will get them to some degree. The reasons they are more common in pregnancy are due to the effects of the increased levels of the hormone progesterone which causes the walls of the veins to be more relaxed, together with the increased pressure within the veins as a result of the enlarged uterus (womb) pressing on the veins within the pelvis. If there is a family history of varicose veins this also increases the possibility of them occurring.

There are things that you can do to reduce the risk or severity of varicose veins and these include regular ankle and foot exercises; these will also reduce the incidence of ankle swelling and cramp.¹ Avoid standing for long periods, try to sit down frequently and elevate legs for some time if you cannot avoid standing. However it’s also important that you avoid sitting for too long either, get up and take regular walks. Avoid high heeled shoes, they reduce the work done by calf muscles and this can mean reduced blood flow in the legs. Wearing support hosiery is one of the most useful ways of helping reduce the chances of varicose veins developing or worsening ²

All pregnant women are entitled to a prescription for 2 pairs of compression hosiery – tights or stockings, for best effect put them on before you get out of bed and wear all day. If despite best efforts varicose veins do appear in pregnancy generally they will improve within three months of giving birth, however with subsequent pregnancies the chances of them remaining increases.

¹The Pregnancy Book, The Department of Health, 2007 page 17
²G. Stansby Women, pregnancy, and varicose veins The Lancet, Volume 355, Issue 9210, Pages 1117-1118