Varicose veins and spider veins related to pregnancy are extremely common in the general community. About 8 out of 10 women who have had two or more pregnancies will develop varicose veins, particularly in the groin area, but also in the upper thighs and lower legs.
Symptoms of pregnancy-related varicose veins may include heaviness and aching in the legs and/or pelvis, swelling in the legs, itchiness in the lower legs, and flare-ups of pre-existing spider veins. Deep and superficial vein thrombosis (blood clots) may also occur during pregnancy and can lead to serious veinous disease complications.
Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy is not recommended, but women do not have to wait until they have finished having their family to seek treatment.
Modern medical and surgical vein treatments can be carried out safely between pregnancies by specialised vein doctors, known as phlebologists, thereby avoiding complications and further deterioration with subsequent pregnancies. Long-term success rates are excellent.
Vein Health Medical Clinic phlebologist Dr Peter Paraskevas offers all the modern-day walk-in, walk-out treatments, including ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy.
For women who are suffering from painful varicose veins, leg swelling, and heaviness, Dr Paraskevas recommends wearing graduated compression stockings, which he would prescribe after consultation and duplex ultrasound assessment.
