Varicose Veins during your pregnancy? Here is what's going on.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation, but it can also bring a few unexpected (and often uncomfortable) companions — like varicose veins.

These swollen, raised, and sometimes painful veins often appear on the legs, vulva, or rectum (hello, haemorrhoids), and while they’re common in pregnancy, they’re also your body’s way of waving a little red flag that it’s working overtime.

So, what do varicose veins mean from a Chinese medicine lens? Let’s unpack it.

From a biomedical view, varicose veins develop due to increased blood volume during pregnancy, hormonal changes that relax the vessel walls, and the growing uterus placing pressure on veins, especially those in the lower body.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, it’s all about the flow of Qi and Blood.

There’s a saying we use often in Chinese medicine: "If there is free flow, there is no pain. If there is pain, there is no free flow."

When Qi (energy) and Blood can’t flow smoothly through the channels and vessels, we may see signs like swelling, heaviness, pain, and visible vein changes.

In the case of varicose veins, this is often linked to:

Spleen Qi deficiency – The Spleen holds the Blood in the vessels. When it's weak (which can easily happen in pregnancy due to the body’s extra demands), we can see Blood leak out of its proper pathways - resulting in things like varicosities or spotting.

Qi stagnation and Blood stasis – If Qi doesn’t move well - due to pressure from the uterus, poor posture, or emotional stress - Blood can also stagnate. This can manifest as visible, ropey veins and discomfort.'

Kidney deficiency – The Kidneys play a foundational role in pregnancy. If they’re depleted, the lower body may not have enough support to move fluids upward, contributing to swelling and pressure.

So what can you do?

Here are some Chinese medicine-inspired tips to support your veins (and your body) through pregnancy:

Nourish Your Spleen Qi – Eat warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest - think soups, stews, root veggies, congee. Avoid cold/raw food and excessive sugar, which can weaken the Spleen.

Move Your Qi Gently – Gentle movement like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help keep Qi and Blood flowing without overexerting your system.

Elevate Your Legs – Lifting your legs above your heart (especially at the end of the day) helps reduce pressure and support venous return.

Wear Compression – Compression stockings might not feel glamorous, but they help encourage circulation in the legs - especially if you’re on your feet a lot.

Emotional Flow = Physical Flow – Unexpressed emotions (especially frustration, resentment, or feeling stuck) can contribute to Liver Qi stagnation, which affects circulation. Breathwork, journaling, acupuncture, or talking things out can help here.

Consider Acupuncture + Chinese Herbs – In clinic, we often use acupuncture to support Spleen and Kidney function, move stagnant Qi, and promote healthy circulation. Chinese herbs (tailored specifically for pregnancy) can also support Blood flow and strengthen the body’s foundation.

Varicose veins during pregnancy aren’t just a cosmetic issue - they’re a sign your body is working hard and may need a little extra support. In Chinese medicine, we see this as an opportunity to nourish, ground, and move.

At Meraki, we believe you deserve to feel held during this chapter - not just physically, but emotionally and energetically too.

If you’re navigating pregnancy and want to feel more supported in your body, we’d love to walk alongside you. Whether it’s acupuncture, energy healing, or gentle lifestyle shifts, our team is here to help you feel more connected, more comfortable, and more you as your baby grows.

Want to book a session or learn more about how Chinese medicine can support your pregnancy?

Book Here

With love,

The Meraki Team x

(Written by Casey Dorman)