Skin pigmentation changes and your pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can cause certain areas of your body to darken visibly. The areolas around your nipples may take on a darker hue and during pregnancy a line may develop from your navel down to your pubic bone – it’s called the linea nigra, but not every woman gets it.
Changes in skin pigmentation may appear on your face too – dark patches on light-skinned women and light patches on dark-skinned women. It’s called chloasma, but is sometimes referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy’. Any existing freckles and moles may also darken. If you’re self-conscious about the changes, use cosmetics to conceal them.
Connections have been made between skin changes of this type and a lack of folate, an essential B vitamin. To counteract this, make sure you eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, fruit and cereals: all good sources of folate. You’ll already be supplementing your folate intake with folic acid (the synthetic version of folate) and this also helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Read our feature on diet for a healthy pregnancy.
Make sure you’re well protected from the sun’s harmful rays when you’re out and about as sun exposure can amplify the pigmentation changes going on in your skin. A high factor (at least SPF 15) sun cream, covering up exposed skin and wearing a hat, can all help protect you from the sun. Certain foundations may help to conceal these pigmentation changes, if you feel self-conscious about them. Consult a beautician for advice.
If you have any unanswered questions, use our answers page to gain wisdom from other moms or our resident experts for all those issues you may be having during your pregnancy.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 27/06/2008
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