Pregnancy brings major changes to your circulation, and your leg veins often feel the difference. For people in Austin and Bee Cave, TX, who notice new bulging veins, aching, or swelling, varicose veins may be part of the picture.
South Austin Vein Center works with people in many stages of life, including those dealing with varicose veins that appeared during or after pregnancy. Patients receive care from Dr. Michael Di Iorio, a board-certified vein specialist and nationally recognized venous disease expert, and Candice Di Iorio, a double board-certified nurse practitioner certified in family and women’s health.
Why Varicose Veins Can Appear During Pregnancy
Your veins carry blood from your legs back to your heart. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, hormone changes can relax vein walls, and the growing uterus can place pressure on the veins in the pelvis. These changes can make it harder for blood to move out of the legs.
When blood pools, pressure rises inside the veins. This pressure can stretch weakened veins, causing them to enlarge, twist, and become visible under the skin. Varicose veins often appear in the legs, but they can also develop in other areas during pregnancy.
Symptoms You May Notice
Pregnancy-related varicose veins can look different from person to person. Some are mainly visible, while others cause discomfort that worsens after prolonged standing or sitting.
Symptoms may include:
- Bulging blue or purple veins
- Aching or throbbing legs
- Heaviness or fatigue
- Swelling around the ankles
- Itching near visible veins
- Nighttime cramping
Many pregnancy-related varicose veins improve after delivery, but some persist. If you have problems that linger, worsen, or affect daily comfort, you may need a vein evaluation.
When to See a Vein Specialist After Pregnancy
A vein specialist can help determine whether visible veins are related to underlying venous reflux. At South Austin Vein Center, ultrasound imaging may be used to examine how blood moves through the veins and whether faulty valves are contributing to your issues.
You do not have to wait until symptoms become severe. Ongoing swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or painful bulging veins are all reasons to seek care. Treatment options at South Austin Vein Center include minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal™, Varithena®, ambulatory microphlebectomy, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
Care for Varicose Veins in Austin and Bee Cave
Varicose veins after pregnancy can affect comfort, activity, and leg health. South Austin Vein Center offers care in Austin and Bee Cave, TX, provided by Dr. Michael Di Iorio and our vein care team. To talk through your symptoms, contact us or call 512-614-1025.
