Unfortunately, spider veins during pregnancy are a real issue. They are the small reddish or bluish veins that appear on your legs and face. They can come in many forms: a series of short, unconnected lines; in a web pattern; or in a concentrated circular shape.
Spider Veins During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your hormones are at an all-time high. The reason for spider veins during pregnancy is because of the increased volume of blood circulating in your system. The increase in blood puts pressure on your blood vessels which causes small veins to swell up. One of the benefits of getting spider veins during pregnancy is that they are usually temporary. Within three to four months after giving birth they should go away.
What You Can Do
If you have never had spider veins and you get pregnant, follow the tips below for how to prevent and reduce the appearance of spider veins during pregnancy.
- Fiber: Eat high-fiber foods during your pregnancy. Constipation is a major pregnancy issue and it can further contribute to swollen veins. Making sure you are regular can help with your overall health in addition to preventing spider veins.
- Exercise: Regular workouts help with leg strength, circulation, and the stability of your veins. Focus on exercises that target your legs like walking or running.
- Blood Flow: Kick your feet up when you are resting to help with circulation in your legs and feet. Also, try not to cross your legs when you are sitting down as it restricts blood flow.
- Rest Your Feet: While it’s good to stay moving and get adequate exercise, be sure and sit down when you need to. Standing for extended periods can be problematic. If you are standing, shift your weight and take necessary breaks as needed.
- Vitamin C: Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C. The body uses it to create collagen and elastin. These are two important connection tissues that help repair and maintain your veins.
- Makeup: If you need to go out and want to bare your legs, use some of your concealer and foundation to cover up the areas of concern. You can blend it well and use some powder to keep it in place for your event.
Predisposition to Spider Veins
If you already had spider veins before pregnancy, they may not go away after you deliver the baby. In addition, if you have had multiple pregnancies, have a family history of spider veins, are overweight, or tend to stand for long periods of time, they may not go away or reduce post-delivery. If that is the case, there are various vein treatment options to get rid of your spider veins. Below you will find some of the options for removal.
Sclerotherapy
This involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel causing it to collapse. This a highly effective and common method for spider veins.
Microphlebectomy
This method involves tiny incisions in your skin where the spider vein is. The vein is then removed through the incisions.
Radiofrequency Vein Ablation
This involves the use of heat administered by a doctor. The technique uses radiofrequency energy to heat up and damage the wall inside of the vein. This removes the appearance of the spider vein.
Varithena
This is a nonsurgical prescription medicine used to treat spider veins. The medicine is an injectable foam that can be administered by a doctor.
Beverly Hills Vein Center
The experts at Beverly Hills Vein Center are the most trusted vein specialists in Beverly Hills for treating spider veins. Dr. Hooman Madyoon founded Beverly Hills Vein Center in 2009. He is a world-renowned Interventional Cardiologist who treats vein disease as a part of his larger cardiovascular practice. He has almost three decades of experience in the field and has performed over 15,000 interventions for arterial, coronary, and venous disorders. He is the most trusted name in Beverly Hills when it comes to his expertise on veins. His experience and education speak for itself and he is trusted by so many due to his unparalleled reputation. Contact Dr. Madyoon today to learn more about spider veins during pregnancy!