I’m 6 months pregnant and am starting to get weird bluish-purple veins on my legs. What are these and why am I getting them?
– Tyneesha
Varicose veins are a common, usually harmless part of pregnancy for some women. They happen when the uterus applies pressure to the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs.
Varicose veins can become itchy, uncomfortable, or even painful. They're usually found in the legs, genital area, and rectum (hemorrhoids are just a type of varicose veins).
Varicose veins tend to be hereditary — your mother or grandmother may have gotten them during pregnancy, too. So, unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent them.
But here are some ways to reduce varicose vein pain and avoid making the veins worse:
If you notice that the veins feel hard, warm, or painful, or the skin over them looks red, call your doctor.
Varicose veins often get better after delivery, when the uterus is no longer pushing on the inferior vena cava.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2021