II. Epidemiology
- Most common skin change in pregnancy
III. Physiology
- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone rises in early pregnancy
- Results in increased Melanin deposition
IV. Signs: General
- Scarred areas, Freckles and nevi darken
- Pigmented areas become more pigmented in first trimester
- Areola
- Axilla
- External genitalia
- Anal region
- Linea Nigra
V. Signs: Specific
-
Melasma or Chloasma (Mask of pregnancy)
- Dark areas under eyes and bridge nose
- Linea Nigra
- Dark, hyperpigmented vertical linear mark in the midline over the Abdomen
- Develops in second trimester and resolves within months of delivery
VI. Precautions
- Biopsy abnormal nevi concerning for malignancy