thread / varicose veins

[Babytalkobsession]

Has anyone developed these since being pregnant?

I had a small patch of thread veins on my inner calf with my 1st pregnancy but I wasn't too bothered. But now, with my second pregnancy the patch has grown, and it's much darker purple with what looks like a varicose vein in the centre. It also feels a bit itchy.

My mum has awful veins so guess it was inevitable.

Feel really down about it as I know they're there now for ever. I'm 31 and feel like I won't be comfortable in shorts or dresses from now on. I know that's vain (apt! )

Anyone else? Or tips to stop them getting worse? Anyone had theirs operated on?

Thanks

[outputgap]

Are they permanent? I thought I read they could go after pregnancy? Gah. Annoying. Just noticed one myself this morning and told myself it might just go after delivery....

[Secretmomma79]

Get some RAL standard compression stockings (on prescription), these are the gold standard for maintaining circulation. Don't let GP fob you off with cheap British standard crap, they are not effective in managing pregnancy-related vein problems (I work in the industry). If they won't prescribe you them, keep nagging and demand a referral to orthotics/surgical appliances.
You can also buy them online but best to get measured up by a HCP as they are v expensive to get wrong.
Some of the stockings aren't pretty but they are a medical device and very effective.
Once veins appear they are unlikely to disappear but rather than surgery you can have them injected, or have infrared treatment (not on NHS unless you get pain and ulcers). You will still need stockings though. PM me if you need more re details.

[outputgap]

Presumably I won't need stockings permanently though? I've only got another couple of days of being pregnant. And I'm not sure if mine is varicose or thread. It's not bulging out or anything, just not tiny either.

Infrared sounds good. Expensive?

[Babytalkobsession]

Thank you. I haven't mentioned them to midwife or gp yet but will do.

I'm just starting 3rd trimester so assume they could get a lot worse before baby arrives. I am trying to elevate my legs when I can but its my easy with work & toddler! In the evenings the patch is dark purple like an angry bruise, about 10 cm diameter. It calms down overnight and is slightly less noticeable by morning.

I've looked into private treatment briefly - think to have them injected it's about £2000!! Def worth waiting til you've finished having babies!

[Sparklycat]

I developed varicose veins in my lady bits in both pregnancies

[Secretmomma79]

Eeek sparklycat! Did they disappear?
output if you're due soon, just keep an eye on them as they may disappear, often caused by weight of baby bump and standing differently to compensate.
Infrared cost varies, could be as much as a grand. Best ring a few private hospitals and see if the vascular consultants offer it.

[Artioo2]

My thread veins get much, much worse during pregnancy but have gone down considerably in between. They don't disappear completely, but they're much less noticeable when not pregnant.

I also got what the midwife said was the start of varicose veins in my last pregnancy - they became very hot and painful straight after the birth, but I wore stockings for a couple of weeks and they went right down and are now back to how they were before, a bit enlarged but not too bad.

[Sunshine511]

I am riddled with thread veins all over my legs! I'm now 27 but I was 24 in my last pregnancy and it really knocked my confidence. They are darker for me during pregnancy and definitely fade a little afterwards. I know this might not help everyone but I have a naturally pale complexion and I find that applying fake tan makes them considerably less noticeable. That gave me the confidence to wear shorts, skirts and dresses with bare legs on holiday. I definitely feel your pain. I've even got some on my face this time, but it will all be worth it when we meet our little ones for the first time x

[Sparklycat]

They did disappear after my first, am still preg with second but they are much worse and came back sooner this time so I hope they will go again! Don't fancy having laser vein surgery down there

[OwlinaTree]

I've got them quite bad on my right leg, I'm only 20 weeks. They run in the family so I'm not surprised really. Hoping they go down after baby is born.