What is the link between pregnancy and the development of varicose veins?

Pregnancy is a known risk factor for developing varicose veins. However, pregnancy is often considered a homogeneous entity and few studies have examined if specific characteristics and complications of pregnancy may influence varicose veins formation.

This study sought to identify which pregnancy-specific factors are associated with the development of varicose veins. All women who gave birth between 1998 and 2020 within a multicenter health care system were identified retrospectively and followed through all hospital centers (inpatient and outpatient). Increasing parity, excessive weight gain in pregnancy, post-term pregnancy, and preeclampsia affect the development of varicose veins after pregnancy. Though varicose veins after pregnancy are likely underreported and true incidence is unknown, women should be counseled about the impact of these factors on varicose veins development after pregnancy.

Charles De Carlo MD, Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, Volume 10, Issue 4, July 2022, Pages 872-878.e68

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