Varicose veins during pregnancy are common — rising hormone levels, increased blood volume, and pressure from the growing uterus on the veins in your pelvis all make your leg veins work harder than usual. The question we hear most is what happens to them afterward.
What typically resolves on its own
For many patients, varicose veins that appeared during pregnancy noticeably improve within three to six months after delivery, as blood volume and hormone levels return to baseline. Mild cases often need no treatment at all.
When it’s worth seeking treatment
If your veins are still causing aching, swelling, or visible bulging six months postpartum, that’s a reasonable point to book a consultation rather than continue waiting. Veins that haven’t improved by then are less likely to resolve fully without treatment.
What to consider if you’re planning another pregnancy
It’s worth discussing timing with your specialist — since a future pregnancy can bring back or worsen the same veins, some patients choose to wait until they’re done having children before treating, while others treat between pregnancies if symptoms are significant. There’s no single right answer; it depends on your symptoms and plans.
Either way, a consultation and ultrasound will give you a clear picture of what’s actually happening with your veins, rather than guessing based on how they look.
