Marked for Life

Coping with Varicose Veins, Stretch Marks & Spider Veins

You're pregnant. It's written all over your...skin? Stretch marks, spider veins and varicose veins are all common complaints during pregnancy. What causes them? Do any of us have hope of a cure?

Stretch Marks

What are they? The vast majority of pregnant women, nearly 90 percent, report getting stretch marks while they're pregnant. They appear as tiny pinkish, reddish or white lines on your belly, breasts, or thighs. They occur when the secondary skin below the surface doesn't stretch as quickly as the surface skin, tearing and creating tiny scars.

Can I prevent them? Many moms report success from applying lotions or creams that contain vitamin E one to three times per day during their pregnancy. Exercise also seems to have some anecdotal benefit. These prevention methods haven't been medically proven, but it never hurts to try.

Is there a cure? First of all, be patient. Most fade over time - think months or years - and some even disappear completely. You can also try Mederma, a cream formulated to minimize scars.

Varicose Veins

What are they? Varicose veins are swollen-looking, bluish veins that most often appear on the legs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by nearly 50 percent, and can accumulate or pool in certain veins, causing varicose veins. If you have a family history of varicose veins, you are more likely to get them during your own pregnancy. Varicose veins may be uncomfortable or painful.

Can I prevent them? Exercising and walking can help increase circulation and help the blood in your veins return to your heart. Wearing support stockings, elevating your feet while sitting and sitting with your legs higher than your heart for thirty minutes each day many help minimize the symptoms. Also, make sure you're getting enough vitamin C, which helps keep veins healthy and elastic.

Is there a cure? The good news is, varicose veins associated with pregnancy typically get much better about three weeks postpartum. The bad news is that the number of varicose veins and their severity typically increases with each pregnancy. The most common treatment is sclerotherapy, in which a doctor injects a solution into the vein that causes it to swell and seal shut, stopping the flow of blood and causing the vein to become scar tissue. Within weeks the vein fades. There are also new laser technologies used to treat small varicose veins. Both carry risk of side effects and you should discuss the treatment in detail with your doctor.

Spider Veins

What are they? Spider veins are small reddish blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They are caused by the increase in blood volume and usually appear on the face, arms and chest of pregnant women.

Can I prevent them? Getting enough vitamin C may help prevent spider veins. Not crossing your legs when seated may also minimize their occurrence on legs. If your spider veins are hereditary, there's not much that you can do to prevent them.

Is there a cure? Spider veins typically fade within weeks or months after delivery. If they do not, laser treatment can be helpful in removing or minimizing them.