PREGNANCY CONSULTATION

At VenusCentre Vein Clinic, we understand that during pregnancy, varicose and superficial veins can become uncomfortable and look unsightly much sooner.

There is help at hand!

Our pregnancy consultations are both thorough and professional, offering very informative aspects of vein health during pregnancy. An ultrasound scan of your legs will be performed in the clinic (ultrasound does not harm unborn babies) to determine the site and extent of abnormal veins and Dr Lekich will discuss these findings with you. VenusCentre Vein Clinic can offer preventative and supportive tools to help you manage the symptoms and appearance of both varicose and superficial veins during pregnancy – like medical grade stockings.

Be optimistic - varicose veins that have developed during pregnancy often improve significantly within three months after delivery. As would be expected with successive pregnancies though, abnormal veins may get worse.

I'm Planning to get Pregnant - Can my Veins still be Treated?

The Australasian College of Phlebology suggest that abnormal veins should be addressed before pregnancy to reduce complications such as clotting, inflammation and bleeding that can occur during pregnancy. Slow development and worsening of varicose veins in pregnancy is a recognised complication of pregnancy due to hormonal changes on the vein walls and valve elasticity, increased blood volume and outflow obstruction due to the increasing size of the uterus. It is very common to develop varicose veins as early as in the first trimester.

I'm Pregnant - Can my Veins be Treated?

Generally not.

Vein treatment is not commenced during pregnancy but you can minimize the effects on your veins. To reduce the likelihood and overall severity of varicose veins during pregnancy, it is recommended that all pregnant women use special maternity support stockings (normal support stockings are too restrictive in the abdominal area). Aching legs can occur throughout pregnancy, but are particularly predominant in the last trimester. These stocking also maximize comfort by providing support along the entire leg. VenusCentre Vein Clinic can provide medical maternity stockings in various sizes and colours.