Physiologic Skin Changes Associated With Pregnancy

The document from 1992 outlined common skin changes during pregnancy, affecting a significant proportion of pregnant women. Hyperpigmentation was reported in up to 90% of pregnant women, often persisting postpartum, with hormones like MSH, estrogen, and progesterone implicated in its development. Melasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," affected up to 75% of women, typically regressing within a year post-delivery but sometimes persisting due to oral contraceptives. Striae distensae, or stretch marks, were found in up to 90% of pregnant women, with potential improvement over time. Hair changes, including hirsutism and telogen effluvium, were common but usually reversible after childbirth. Other changes included nail alterations, increased eccrine gland activity, and vascular changes such as vascular spiders and varicosities. Mucous membrane changes and the development of cutaneous tumors like pyogenic granuloma and skin tags were also observed, with many resolving post-pregnancy. Hormonal influences were suggested as the likely cause for these changes, although the exact mechanisms remained unclear.