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What Varicose Veins During Pregnancy Are

Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin, but they're actually just below the skin. They can be twisted or bulging and are dark purple or blue in color. They're found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs. They're also commonly found in the anus and less commonly in the vulva (the parts of your vagina that are on the outside of the body).

Why Varicose Veins During Pregnancy Happen

Your blood volume has increased greatly and the weight of your developing baby and growing uterus puts extra pressure on your veins. This can cause the veins to enlarge. Plus, pressure on the large veins behind the uterus causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. Pregnancy hormones also relax the vein walls, allowing them to expand more easily. For these reasons, varicose veins in the legs and anus (also known as hemorrhoids) are more common in pregnancy.

How to Relieve Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

• Don't stand for too long. 
• Put your feet up.
• Wear pregnancy support hose.
• Get a gentle massage (ask the provider to avoid any area where there are varicose veins). 
• Don't wax the hair on your legs.