Introduction

Pregnancy is often described as one of life’s most beautiful journeys, but it’s also a time when the body undergoes extraordinary changes — physically, emotionally, and hormonally. While most people anticipate the more visible changes such as a growing belly or glowing skin, one of the less-talked-about side effects is the sudden appearance — or worsening — of varicose veins.

These thick, bulging, rope-like veins on the legs can feel heavy, painful, and sometimes embarrassing. For some women, they appear for the very first time during pregnancy, while for others with a family history, they become more prominent. Understandably, many expectant mothers ask us the same question:

“Can I safely treat varicose veins while I’m pregnant?”

At Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul, where we specialize in advanced vascular treatments, this is one of the most common concerns we hear from pregnant patients. Let’s take a closer look at why pregnancy triggers varicose veins, which treatments are safe during pregnancy, and what should wait until after delivery.

Why Pregnancy Triggers Varicose Veins

To understand why varicose veins become more common in pregnancy, it helps to look at what’s happening inside the body:

1. Increased blood volume
   During pregnancy, your body increases blood volume by up to 40–50% to support the growing baby and placenta. While this is essential for fetal development, it also places extra pressure on the veins, particularly in the legs.

2. Hormonal changes
   Progesterone, the hormone that relaxes muscles to allow your uterus to expand, also relaxes the walls of your blood vessels. This makes veins more prone to stretching and valve dysfunction.

3. Mechanical pressure from the uterus
   As the uterus enlarges, it presses on the pelvic veins, especially the inferior vena cava — the large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. This creates a “traffic jam” effect, slowing circulation in the legs and increasing venous pressure.

4. Genetic predisposition
   If your mother, grandmother, or sisters experienced varicose veins in pregnancy, you are more likely to develop them. Genetics plays a major role in vein wall and valve strength.

Think of your leg veins as pipes carrying blood uphill. Under normal circumstances, tiny one-way valves help blood move smoothly against gravity. But in pregnancy, those valves are under more strain, and the “pumps” (your calf muscles) have more resistance to work against. The result? Blood can pool, stretching the veins and making them bulge.

What people often overlook is that this is not just a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins during pregnancy can cause:

• Leg heaviness and fatigue, especially after standing for long periods

• Swelling around the ankles and feet

• Aching, throbbing, or burning pain in the legs

• Night cramps that disturb sleep

• Itchy skin around the affected veins

• In rare cases, clotting problems (superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis)

Are Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?

Here’s the straightforward answer: most definitive varicose vein treatments — such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), or VenaSeal™ — are not performed during pregnancy.

There are several important reasons for this caution:

• Limited research in pregnant populations
  Minimally invasive procedures like EVLA and RFA are safe for the general population, but ethical considerations mean they haven’t been widely studied in pregnant women. Doctors avoid exposing expectant mothers and their babies to unknown risks.

• Changes may be temporary
  In many cases, varicose veins improve naturally within a few months after childbirth. Treating them too early could mean performing unnecessary procedures.

• Anesthesia considerations
  Although vein procedures usually require only local anesthesia, some medications or positioning during treatment may not be ideal during pregnancy.

That being said, “no treatment” does not mean “no help.” During pregnancy, we focus on conservative management — strategies that relieve symptoms and protect vein health until it’s safe to proceed with minimally invasive interventions.

Safe Ways to Manage Varicose Veins While Pregnant

At Charm Vascular Clinic, we guide our pregnant patients toward conservative strategies that are effective, safe, and supportive.

1. Compression Stockings

Graduated compression stockings remain the gold standard for pregnancy-related varicose veins. They work by applying gentle pressure, strongest at the ankle and gradually lighter higher up the leg. This compression encourages blood to flow upward toward the heart, reducing swelling and discomfort.

Many women notice immediate relief when they wear stockings consistently, especially during long days on their feet. In Korea, where many people spend long hours commuting or working at desks, compression can make a significant difference.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Elevate your legs: Resting with your feet higher than your heart — even for 15 minutes at the end of the day — can improve circulation.

• Stay active: Gentle walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga helps activate the calf muscles, which are the body’s natural “vein pumps.”

• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting: If your job requires sitting for long hours, flex your ankles, stretch, and take short breaks.

3. Weight and Hydration Balance

Gaining weight is natural in pregnancy, but excessive weight can add unnecessary strain on your veins. A balanced diet rich in fiber prevents constipation, which otherwise increases abdominal pressure and worsens venous symptoms. Drinking enough water also helps keep circulation smooth.

4. Sleeping Position

Doctors often recommend sleeping on your left side during pregnancy. This position reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava, easing blood return from the legs and lowering the chance of swelling.

When to See a Vascular Specialist During Pregnancy

Not every case of varicose veins requires urgent medical attention, but there are situations where evaluation is important. Seek medical help if you experience:

• Sudden swelling in one leg (especially if accompanied by pain or warmth)

• Red, hardened, or painful veins that feel hot to the touch

• Shortness of breath or chest pain with leg swelling (a possible sign of a blood clot — a medical emergency)

• Severe pain that limits daily activity

At Charm Vascular Clinic, we use Doppler ultrasound when necessary to safely evaluate vein health during pregnancy. This test is non-invasive and does not involve radiation, making it safe for expectant mothers.

What Happens After Delivery?

Here’s the reassuring part: many women notice improvement in their varicose veins within three to six months postpartum. As hormones stabilize, blood volume decreases, and the uterus shrinks, pressure on the veins reduces significantly.

However, not every vein problem disappears. If you had a strong genetic predisposition or multiple pregnancies, your veins may remain enlarged or symptomatic. In such cases, that’s when definitive treatments come into play.

Post-Pregnancy Options

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): Uses laser energy to close abnormal veins.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses controlled heat to achieve the same goal with minimal discomfort.

• VenaSeal™ Closure: A medical adhesive seals the vein shut without the need for heat.

All of these treatments are minimally invasive, highly effective, and do not require general anesthesia. At Charm Vascular Clinic, we typically recommend waiting until after breastfeeding before performing these procedures, ensuring complete safety for both mother and child.

The Charm Vascular Clinic Perspective

To be honest, one of the hardest parts for many pregnant women is not just the physical discomfort but the emotional worry — the fear that “these veins will stay forever” or that they’re doing something harmful to the baby by ignoring them.

Our message is simple: you are not stuck with them.

Pregnancy-related varicose veins are extremely common. With patience, conservative care during pregnancy, and minimally invasive treatment afterward, women can regain both comfort and confidence in their legs.

Dr. Insoo Park and our team have guided countless women through this journey. We understand the delicate balance between protecting maternal health, ensuring fetal safety, and planning for long-term vein wellness. With advanced tools, high success rates, and a patient-centered philosophy, Charm Vascular Clinic offers the reassurance that you are in expert hands.

Key Takeaway

If you’re pregnant and struggling with varicose veins:

• Active treatments like EVLA or RFA should wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding.

• Safe symptom relief is possible now through compression stockings, movement, leg elevation, and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Consult a vascular specialist if you notice sudden swelling, pain, or any signs of clotting.

And when the time is right — whether a few months after delivery or once breastfeeding is complete — minimally invasive treatments can restore your vein health quickly and effectively.

👉 If you’re in Seoul and seeking guidance, consider visiting Charm Vascular Clinic. With expertise in pregnancy-related vein care and advanced minimally invasive solutions, we’ll help you map out a safe, personalized treatment plan — for today’s comfort and tomorrow’s health.