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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:55
Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus
Published on: December 5, 2015
Blood vessel changes during pregnancy: a review
Frédérique Henry1, Pascale Quatresooz, Jenny C Valverde-Lopez
1Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Pregnancy causes significant vascular changes in the skin and mucosa, including palmar erythema and spider telangiectasias. Most of these gestational vascular changes resolve postpartum, though some vascular tumors may require laser treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Obstetrics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Pregnancy involves profound endocrine changes impacting skin and mucosal microvasculature.
- Gestational vascular alterations are common, affecting skin, oral cavity, and genitalia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common vascular changes during pregnancy.
- To discuss their clinical presentation and postpartum outcomes.
- To mention potential treatments for persistent vascular lesions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common pregnancy-related vascular changes.
- Clinical observation of skin and mucosal alterations.
- Discussion of postpartum regression and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Palmar erythema and spider telangiectasias are frequent; the latter are less common in darker skin.
- Vascular tumors (hemangiomas, glomus tumors) affect one-third of pregnant women.
- Edema, venous hypertension, varicosities, gingivitis, and mucosal changes (vaginal, vulvar) are also common.
Conclusions:
- Most pregnancy-associated vascular changes are transient and resolve postpartum.
- Some vascular tumors may persist and require intervention, such as vascular laser or intense pulsed light therapy.
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