According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus during pregnancy. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines.

Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, spider veins usually do not need medical treatment. But varicose veins are known to enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems. These include:

* Severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they can block the heart and lungs from functioning.

* Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins

* Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.

Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body.

Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency.

Some common symptoms of varicose veins listed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services include:

* Aching pain

* Easily tired legs

* Leg heaviness

* Swelling in the legs

* Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)

* Numbness in the legs

* Itching or irritated rash in the legs

Besides a physical exam, the doctor can take x-rays or ultrasound pictures of the vein to find the cause and severity of the problem. Your spouse may want to speak with a doctor who specializes in vein diseases or phlebology. Talk to the doctor about what treatment options are best for her condition and lifestyle. Not all cases of varicose veins are the same. Read more on treatment for .