Is it Safe to Treat Varicose Veins While Breastfeeding?

It doesn’t take a doctor to tell you that the human body undergoes significant change before, during, and after childbirth. Some changes are more obvious than others, including the common development of varicose or spider veins. Every year we get questions from new mothers wondering whether they can or should treat these veins during or after pregnancy. A common question is “should I wait until I’ve birthed all my children before seeking a solution to my varicose veins?”

Despite the fact that women often develop signs of venous disease during pregnancy, no invasive treatment is performed until the postpartum period unless the problem is urgent (blood clot). If findings of venous disease occur during pregnancy it is advisable to be evaluated at that time. Typically it will be advised to wear compression hose throughout the remainder of the pregnancy and then schedule a postpartum evaluation of the legs.

During pregnancy simple actions like daily walks, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings can go a long way in reducing the discomfort and progression of diseased veins.

There is a significant misunderstanding that treatment of varicose veins should be delayed until after all pregnancies are completed. This is harmful advice! In patients with venous disease that developed during childbearing years, untreated, varicose veins will worsen significantly with subsequent pregnancies. Another misunderstanding is that “if your legs don’t hurt or you aren’t concerned about their appearance you don’t need to be treated for venous disease.” Speak to an expert in vascular disease when you have a vascular problem! Treatment in the postpartum period is simple, performed in the office, does not interrupt breastfeeding, and can prevent the worsening of leg vein problems in the future.

Whether you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have questions about the health of your legs, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts at Capitol Vein and Laser Center, Dr. Paul McNeill and Dr. Garth Rosenberg, by calling 866-695-8346. We’ve helped thousands of patients and we’d be happy to do the same for you.