Many women notice that during pregnancy their veins can get a little out of hand. There's the unsightly blue veins...
Many women notice that during pregnancy their veins can get a little out of hand. There's the unsightly blue veins on the breasts and tummy along with the scarier looking reddish-purple lines on their legs. What should you be worried about. Technically neither. While you may not think these kind of skin changes are attractive they aren't dangerous. In fact the blue veins you may see popping up like road maps on your upper body are a good sign. They mean that your body is working as it should to carry your blood supply during pregnancy. During pregnancy you'll have an increased blood supply which is why the veins become more visible. Not all mamas-to-be get them though or they may get them but they'll be lighter in color. The reddish-purple lines arising on your legs are not varicose veins as some mamas think. If they are you'll know because they'll likely hurt and be blue and pretty pronounced. You can read more about actual varicose veins at healthy mama legs or avoid varicose veins. The red lines are usually something called spider nevus (yikes). They appear due to hormonal changes and sometimes fade and sometimes not. They can be removed though. Talk to your care provider though if you see some because while normal in pregnancy; in excess they may mean there's an underlying issue. Don't forget to enter Pregnancy & Baby's Little Monsters Contest -- you can win fabulous prizes that will help you preserve your digital memories!
