Why do women get varicose veins during pregnancy?

Varicose veins are more common as women age; weight gain, the pressure on major venous return from the legs, and familial predisposition increase the risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy. These can occur in the vulvar area and be fairly painful. Rest, leg elevation, acetaminophen, topical heat, and support stockings are typically all that is necessary. Determining that the varicosities are not complicated by superficial thrombophlebitis is important. Having a venous thromboembolism in association with superficial thrombophlebitis is rare. Hemorrhoids, essentially varicosities of the anorectal veins, may first appear during pregnancy for the same reasons and are aggravated by constipation during pregnancy.