Obstetrics & Gynecology>>>>>Maternal-Fetal Physiology and Placentation
Question 7#

A 22-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 face, upper chest, and arms. She is upset with the unsightly appearance of these veins and wants to know what you recommend to get rid of them.

How should you counsel this patient?

A. Tell her that this is a condition which requires evaluation by a vascular surgeon
B. Tell her that you are concerned that she may have serious liver disease and order liver function tests
C. Tell her that you are going to refer her to a dermatologist for further workup and evaluation
D. Tell her that the appearance of these blood vessels is a normal occurrence with pregnancy
E. Tell her to wear an abdominal binder

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Vascular spiders, or angiomas, are common findings during pregnancy. They form as a result of the hyper-estrogenism 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.