Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy – both outside as well as inside. One of these transformations is the development of spider veins on your breasts.
They are usually more clearly visible if you’re fair-skinned, and show up less prominently if you have a darker complexion. Either way, they are completely normal and are in fact, a common sign of early pregnancy.
But why do spider veins appear on your breasts and do you need to worry if they become more prominent? We tell you all about them; from their causes, to diagnosis, to treatment, and how they impact your breastfeeding journey.
Spider Veins On Breast During Pregnancy: Why Do They Appear?
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They are typically thin and web-like, resembling spider webs or tree branches.
Spider veins are commonly seen on the legs, but they can also occur on other parts of the body, including the face, arms, abdomen and breasts. These veins may be red, blue, or purple in colour and are usually harmless, although they can sometimes cause discomfort or self-consciousness.
During pregnancy, the veins in your breasts typically become more visible. This happens mainly because the blood volume increases from 20 to 40 per cent during this period, adding more pressure on your veins.
These veins are responsible for transporting oxygen, blood and nutrients to your developing foetus. So as a result of the increased blood flow, these veins are more visible under the skin.
When do spider veins appear during pregnancy?
They can appear in the first trimester of your pregnancy and spread all over your body, especially on your abdomen and breasts. However, note that spider veins do not cause the veins to bulge out of the skin like varicose veins.
What Causes Spider Veins During Pregnancy
According to WebMD, spider veins are caused by the weakening or damage of blood vessel valves, which leads to the pooling of blood and the visible appearance of these tiny veins on the skin’s surface.
Image courtesy: iStock
But why are these web-like lines appearing on your breast area? Well, here are some factors that may contribute to their appearance:
Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, chances are your veins would become more visible because your breasts are engorged with milk. The good news is that they will become less visible when your baby shifts to solids.
However, if the veins are accompanied by redness, fever and/or any other discomfort, you could be suffering from mastitis. It is an infection of the breast tissue that is caused by bacteria entering the milk duct through a break or crack in the nipple. It can also occur if the plugged or blocked milk duct isn’t treated accordingly.
At this time, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately so they can treat it easily with oral antibiotics.
Remember that it is normal to spot spider veins on breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if it’s not accompanied by pain. But at the same time, keep an eye on any new veins that you may spot developing. Contact your doctor if you also feel a lump on your breasts along with the additional veins.
Now, in addition to the aforementioned, there are other reasons why you may have developed spired veins in your breasts. These could be the following:
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Increased Blood Volume: During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause an increase in blood volume to support the growing fetus. This increased blood flow can put pressure on the blood vessels, leading to the development of spider veins in the breasts.
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Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen, can weaken the walls of blood vessels, making them more prone to dilation and the appearance of spider veins. These hormonal shifts contribute to the development of spider veins on the breasts.
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Breast Growth: As the breasts undergo significant changes during pregnancy, including increased size and weight, the additional pressure on the blood vessels can lead to the formation of spider veins. The expanding breast tissue can put a strain on the blood vessels, causing them to become more visible.
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Genetic Predisposition: Some women may have a genetic predisposition to develop spider veins during pregnancy. If spider veins run in your family, you may be more likely to experience their appearance on your breasts during pregnancy.
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Mondor’s disease: This benign (noncancerous) condition caused due to inflammation also leads to developing spider veins in the breasts. It can occur in both women and men, but it’s more commonly found in women. It may be caused by hard exercise, a tight-fitting bra, or surgery. But be extra careful if you spot any spidery veins as it can be an early sign of cancer.
Image Source: iStock
How To Treat Spider Veins On Breast
During pregnancy, your breasts can develop bulging veins and that can be extremely uncomfortable. But this is a natural phenomenon (unless there is a pre-existing condition) and so there is not much you can do immediately. These veins will go back to their non-visible self in some time.
But if you are breastfeeding, these spider veins on your breasts will remain noticeable. As stated earlier, they will start to fade when your baby shifts to solid and is in the weaning phase.
However, if they continue to be visible and bothersome, then you must visit a cosmetic dermatologist. They may suggest the following treatments to treat this condition (note that your treatment will depend on your condition and your discussion with the doctor):
- Laser treatments: Doctors can use Endovenous laser therapy to shrink or destroy certain veins.
- Sclerotherapy: It involves injecting the veins with a chemical that shrinks them.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This can also treat small and localised breast cancer
Can You Prevent Spider Veins On Breast?
If your breasts are on the larger side and if you have a family history, spider veins are not preventable. But some women try to hide them with makeup or self-tanners.
However, this is not advisable and it is best to avoid self-tanner during your pregnancy. That’s because the long-term effects of active ingredients like dihydroxyacetone on pregnancy are still unstudied.
Some of the possible ways to prevent the appearance of spider veins on your breasts during pregnancy are the following:
- Make sure you reach your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen and elastin, two important connective tissues that help repair and maintain veins.
- Work out regularly. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve blood circulation, and lessen the pressure on your veins.
- Wear a well-fitting bra. Accept it, mum, Your bra size will change throughout pregnancy, so you shouldn’t hold on to your old bra if they already feel too tight. Make sure your breasts are always supported and have ample breathing space when wearing a bra. Tight clothes are a no-no too.
So instead of stressing about how the veins look, it is perhaps a good idea to take it in your stride.
Know that this is your body’s way of preparing for your baby’s arrival and even after the delivery when you choose to breastfeed. Once your baby starts solids, spider veins will soon bid you adieu!
When to Seek Help
If you notice the development of spider veins on your breasts during pregnancy, it is generally advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance. While spider veins on the breasts are typically harmless and resolve on their own after pregnancy, it’s essential to seek help if you experience any concerning symptoms or discomfort. Here are some situations when you should consider seeking medical assistance:
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Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If you experience persistent pain, tenderness, or discomfort associated with the spider veins on your breasts, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.
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Rapidly Increasing Size or Colour Changes: If the spider veins on your breasts rapidly increase in size, or change in colour, or if you notice any unusual skin changes, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions or complications.
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Associated Symptoms: If you notice other symptoms such as swelling, redness, warmth, or skin ulcers around the spider veins on your breasts, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
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Concerns about Breast Health: If you have concerns about your breast health or the appearance of spider veins on your breasts, discussing them with a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and appropriate guidance.
Remember, your healthcare provider is the best resource to evaluate your specific situation, provide personalized advice, and address any concerns regarding spider veins on your breasts during pregnancy.
Image source: Stock
Updates by Camille Eusebio
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