A 42-year-old primigravida presents to your office for a routine OB visit at 34 weeks gestational age. She voices concern because she has noticed an increasing number of spidery veins appearing on her abdomen. She is upset with the unsightly appearance of these veins and wants to know what you recommend to get rid of them. How do you advise this patient?
Vascular spiders, or angiomas, are common findings during pregnancy. They form as a result of the hyperestrogenemia associated with normal pregnancies and are of no clinical significance. The presence of these angiomas does not require any additional workup or treatment, and they will resolve spontaneously after delivery Reassurance to the patient is all that is required.