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Why do some women develop varicose veins during pregnancy?

Varicose veins often develop during pregnancy, due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Pregnancy vein changes may improve after childbirth some experience ongoing symptoms resulting in painful lumpy blue raised leg veins, visible thread veins (broken veins) and skin discolouration around the ankles.

Pelvic varicose veins may also develop appearing as large veins in the vagina, vulva, or in the buttock area.  These often reduce after childbirth but may persist and continue to cause persistent symptoms of aching, discomfort and irritation. Many women are self-conscious about them, but effective treatment is available.

Varicose vein symptoms

  • Visible veins and thread veins
  • Raised bulging leg veins
  • Swollen feet and ankles
  • Aching, heavy legs
  • Leg cramps
  • Skin discolouration around the ankles
  • Restless legs, especially at night

How can I alleviate my symptoms whilst pregnant?

Taking care of yourself to ensure a healthy pregnancy starts with recognising vein changes, early symptoms and managing your lifestyle to help prevent ongoing complications.

  • Elevate your legs
  • Excercise regularly and avoid prolonged sitting or standing
  • Wear maternity support or compression tights
  • Moisturise dry flaky skin

Can I plan treatment after childbirth? 

A varicose vein consultation with Michael Gaunt will allow you to understand what treatments are available postpartum. He will perform a duplex ultrasound scan on your legs to determine the  best procedure for you and personally answer any concerns you have.

“I’m organising my varicose vein treatment well before our first family holiday”

Specialising in minimally invasive varicose vein treatments, Michael Gaunt delivers the highest quality of award-winning patient care. Clinics in London and Cambridge provide walk-in, walk-out procedures including the following:

Read more about available treatments.

Specialist consultant vascular surgeon

Michael is one of the most experienced surgeons in the Endovenous Laser technique in the UK. He has also lectured and trained surgeons in the technique in  Brazil, Madrid and Paris.

Get happy, healthy legs with expert tailored treatments at any of Michael Gaunt’s private clinics in Harley Street, London or Cambridge.

What to expect at your varicose vein consultation Read more>

Book a consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt: 01223 305858

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Feeling Good, Looking Good.

Happy, healthy legs with Michael Gaunt

Don’t neglect your legs! Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt is no stranger to treating Varicose and Thread Veins that impact on active lifestyles and sporting performance.
There’s no doubt feeling good and looking good certainly go hand in hand. Whether you are keen to maintain intensive aerobic sports or enjoy low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, Michael Gaunt can help improve your vascular health and wellbeing. Exercise is of primary importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has beneficial effects on varicose veins supporting good blood flow.

Michael Gaunt specialises in the treatment of varicose, thread and facial spider veins and is one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK. He performs personal and minimally invasive treatment of veins using Endovenous Laser ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.

“Many of my sporting patients complain of heavy and tired legs. They’ve often noticed a gradual decline in their performance, taking longer to recover after training”

Varicose veins are not commonly thought of as a condition that can affect sporting performance but they can. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. Varicose veins are veins that are not working properly. Varicose veins impair the function of the normal veins in the legs.
Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing the clearance of toxic waste products and naturally helps to improve activity.

“I have successfully performed over 4000 minimally invasive techniques with amazing results. People are back on their feet immediately”

Stay Active

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is something we all strive to do yet many of us neglect our varicose veins. The condition can be painful and if untreated can lead to leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin of the lower leg and ulcers. Unsightly varicose veins may affect your confidence. Many patients complain of having to cover up during the summer months.
The truth is, even athletes and active people can have varicose and spider veins. There are many variations of varicose veins and it’s always worth getting a personal consultation to access what your treatment options are. Proper vascular assessment is necessary prior to treatment to exclude any underlying conditions.

“Recent advances mean that the underlying causes of varicose and spider veins may be easily identified and the correct personalised treatment plan offered”

Book a consultation and receive Michael Gaunt’s expert opinion and a tailored treatment plan including information on treatment options available.

“I was surprised at how easy it was to get my varicose veins treated. I made a local appointment and had a personal consultation followed by successful treatment with Michael Gaunt”

Consultations with Michael Gaunt are available at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge . 01223 305858.