Spider veins are common during pregnancy. These small blood vessels appear beneath the skin as red, blue, or purple web-like patterns. While harmless, they are a frequent physical change for expectant mothers.
Why Pregnancy Leads to Spider Veins
Pregnancy’s physiological changes contribute to spider vein development. Hormone surges, especially progesterone, cause blood vessel walls to relax and expand. This relaxation accommodates increased blood volume to support the baby.
Total blood volume increases by 45% above pre-pregnancy levels, adding pressure to the circulatory system. The expanding uterus also presses on large pelvic veins, like the inferior vena cava, impeding lower body blood flow. This pressure, combined with weakened vein valves allowing blood to pool, contributes to spider vein visibility, especially in the legs.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern during pregnancy, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Pain, tenderness, warmth, redness around veins, skin color changes, or sores require consulting a healthcare provider. These signs could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Distinguish between spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are small, fine lines (<2mm), painless, and appear close to the skin. Varicose veins are larger, often bulging, twisted, dark blue or purple, and frequently cause discomfort or aching. While both can occur during pregnancy, varicose veins may signify a deeper vein issue.
Strategies for Relief and Prevention
Managing spider veins involves lifestyle adjustments to improve circulation and reduce vein pressure. Elevating legs above heart level when resting facilitates blood flow back to the heart, easing lower extremity pressure. Regular, gentle exercise like walking improves circulation and prevents blood pooling.
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting; if necessary, shift weight or take short breaks every 30 minutes. Graduated compression stockings, tighter at the ankle, loosening towards the thigh, provide external support, promote blood flow, and reduce swelling. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight and staying well-hydrated also reduces vein strain and supports circulatory health.
What Happens After Delivery
Many spider veins improve or fade after childbirth. As hormone levels normalize and blood volume returns to pre-pregnancy levels (within 3-4 months postpartum), vein pressure lessens. While some spider veins may not disappear entirely, their appearance often diminishes.
For persistent or bothersome spider veins postpartum, various cosmetic treatments are available. Procedures like sclerotherapy, involving injecting a solution to close off veins, or laser therapy, can be considered. These treatments are performed after pregnancy and once breastfeeding has concluded.