Currently pregnant with my fourth child and seeing patients two days a week, I have the privilege of working with women across the entire spectrum of women’s health—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and menopause. And here’s the truth: nothing is off-limits in my office… or on this blog. There’s no TMI here—just information to empower you to take control of your health!
One topic that has come up recently is varicose veins, specifically vulvar varicosities. While often overlooked in conversations about pregnancy, understanding these veins can help you prevent and manage discomfort before it becomes an issue.
EPISODE 26 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: HOW TO PREVENT VULVAR VARICOSE VEINS IN PREGNANCY WITH A PELVIC FLOOR PT
Whether you learn best by listening or watching, there is something for you! You can catch the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast—available on all your favorite platforms!
🎧 Holistically Well Podcast on Apple | Episode 26
🎙️ Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify | Episode 26
💻 Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube | Episode 26
KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
🩱 Support your pelvic floor with compression garments
🧦 Boost circulation with compression socks
🚶♀️ Move daily to prevent pooling and discomfort
👖 Wear loose, vein-friendly clothing
💧 Hydrate with water and electrolytes!
What Are Vulvar Varicosities?
Varicose veins are swollen, dilated superficial veins that may appear on your legs, causing heaviness or discomfort. They can be genetic, but pregnancy-related changes often exacerbate them.
Vulvar varicosities, on the other hand, occur in the vulva—the soft tissue at the pelvic floor where your body supports sitting, movement, and blood flow. These veins can bulge or swell, creating a heavy, uncomfortable sensation when sitting or standing.
When you understand what’s happening in your body, you feel empowered to take action instead of anxious or out of control. That’s exactly why I created the Holistically Well Programs—to give your body the foundation it needs to truly thrive.
Wondering where to begin? That’s what I’m here for! Schedule a free consult with me or my team, and we’ll create a plan tailored to your body. 👇
Why Do Vulvar Varicosities Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy creates the perfect storm for vulvar varicosities:
- Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, your blood volume can increase by 30–50%, putting more pressure on veins.
- Weight gain: Even normal pregnancy weight gain adds pressure to veins in your legs and pelvic floor.
- Hormonal changes: Progesterone and other hormones increase vein laxity and vessel diameter.
- Baby’s pressure on the pelvic floor: This added pressure can overwhelm vein valves, causing swelling and discomfort.
Understanding these factors can help you proactively protect your veins throughout pregnancy.
Ways to Prevent and Relieve Vulvar Varicosities
Here are my top seven strategies to keep your veins happy and your pelvic floor comfortable:
1. Support Garments
Compression bloomers provide gentle support to the pelvic floor, reducing swelling in vulvar veins. My favorite are the Love Steady bloomers (formerly Bayo B), created by a physical therapist. They offer bottom-up compression that mimics a supportive sling, helping prevent veins from bulging.
2. Compression Socks
Blood can pool in your legs when standing or sitting for long periods. Compression socks improve venous return, reducing pressure in your legs and pelvic floor.
I personally use OneQuince compression socks for long flights, car trips, or standing jobs, but any high-quality compression sock will do.
3. Exercise
Movement keeps blood flowing and engages your calf pump, which helps push blood back to your heart. Simple exercises like walking, calf raises, or standing periodically during work can reduce varicose vein risk.
That’s why designed the Holistically Well Pregnancy Programs, which offers trimester-specific workouts supporting the pelvic floor while addressing pain points like varicose veins.
4. Avoid Tight Waistbands
Tight waistbands or restrictive clothing in the groin can kink veins, impeding blood flow. Instead, opt for garments with compression where you need it (like Love Steady tights) and avoid tight jeans or belts during pregnancy.
5. Break Up Long Periods of Sitting or Standing
Movement is medicine. Even 5 minutes of walking every hour, calf pumps at your desk, or walking around the house postpartum keeps blood circulating and reduces swelling.
6. Elevate Your Legs
Laying on the floor with your feet up the wall is a simple but effective way to counteract gravity and encourage venous return. Combine this with gentle ankle pumps for maximum benefit. Follow up by putting on your pelvic support garment to maintain reduced swelling.
7. Hydration and Electrolytes
Proper hydration keeps your cells balanced and prevents fluid retention, which contributes to swelling. I recommend LMNT electrolytes to ensure your body is absorbing water efficiently.
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health
By combining these strategies—support garments, compression socks, exercise, mindful clothing choices, movement breaks, leg elevation, and hydration—you can prevent or relieve vulvar varicosities and feel more comfortable during pregnancy and postpartum.
These small daily habits empower you to take control of your pelvic floor health, instead of waiting for swelling to resolve after delivery.
Want a step-by-step, trimester-specific program to support your pelvic floor, circulation, and overall pregnancy wellness?
Final Thoughts
Vulvar varicosities are common but manageable. With the right tools and habits, you can reduce discomfort, prevent progression, and feel confident in your body during pregnancy and beyond.
If this guide helped you, share it with a friend who may be struggling with varicose veins or pelvic floor discomfort. And if something resonated, leave a review or comment—it helps other women discover these resources too.
Keep in mind: prevention is power, and your body deserves proactive care in every stage of motherhood!
