During pregnancy, you get used to a lot of changes occurring in your body, but there is one big one that often gets overlooked. Little, red, broken-looking blood vessels on the legs that look like spider webs. Although they may sometimes appear on the face as well, spider veins on the legs are a common side effect of pregnancy and may even linger long after childbirth. So, what is a new mother to do about them?
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins can be caused during pregnancy by hormonal changes or an increase in blood circulation or blood pressure. They are fairly harmless, but can be painful or uncomfortable. The appearance of these veins is not a cause for concern in regards to the healthiness of the pregnancy or the baby. It is important to know the difference between these small blood vessels and varicose veins, which are much more serious and can be swollen enough to be felt through the skin.
Treating Your Spider Veins Post-Baby
It is important to get a diagnosis before assuming that you have spider veins, as what you are seeing may indicate a different medical condition. There are some treatments that may reduce the chance of getting spider veins. Compression hose is one option, as they can improve circulation and reduce the instance or appearance of the veins. A diet that is high in vitamin c has also been indicated to be helpful. However, it usually requires a professional treatment in order to accurately address these veins.
While spider veins are expected to disappear after childbirth, some cases linger and remain there for a long period of time despite the best efforts of the mother and home treatments. For these persistent cases, our doctor may recommend sclerotherapy injections to collapse the blood vessels and return the legs to a normal appearance. The treatment is simple and non-surgical, making it convenient and safe.
Have your spider veins lingered long after pregnancy? You have treatment options available. Get in touch with the experts at South Lake OB/GYN in Orlando for more information on our sclerotherapy options for more beautiful legs after having your baby. Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Clermont!