A–Z Glossary

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is darkening of areas of skin that may affect the areolae, scars, freckles, or abdominal midline during pregnancy.

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Melasma and darkening of skin during pregnancy

Melasma and darkening of skin during pregnancy

What melasma is and why pregnancy can trigger it Melasma is a common form of acquired hyperpigmentation, usually seen as symmetric brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, or chin. It is not an infection, and it is not dangerous in itself. The condition is multifactorial: pregnancy-related hormonal shifts, ultraviolet exposure, […]

Maternal body changes month by month

Maternal body changes month by month

Month 1: hormonal signaling begins before the body looks pregnant Month 1 is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, so conception usually occurs around the middle of this month. For part of this time, a person may not yet know they are pregnant. Still, endocrine activity begins early: human chorionic gonadotropin, […]