Physiological Changes of Pregnancy: A Review of the Literature

    October 2017 in “ International Journal of Women's Dermatology ”
    BS Catherine C. Motosko, Amy Kalowitz Bieber, Miriam Keltz Pomeranz, Jennifer A. Stein, Kathryn J. Martires
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    TLDR Most pregnant women experience skin darkening and hair changes, with these effects usually going away after giving birth.
    The document reviewed the physiological skin changes during pregnancy, analyzing 25 manuscripts from a pool of 7338 articles published over a decade. It found that hyperpigmentation is the most common change, affecting 85% to 90% of pregnant women, with melasma occurring in up to 70%. Other changes include alterations in nevi, vasculature, mucosal areas, and gland activity. Hair growth increases during pregnancy, with some women experiencing more pronounced facial hair growth and thicker hair shafts due to prolonged anagen phase. Postpartum, many women experience telogen effluvium, a diffuse hair loss that typically resolves within 6 to 15 months. Nail changes affect 2% to 40% of pregnant women, and breast development can cause enlargement and tenderness. Most changes resolve after delivery, and the review suggests deferring nonessential cosmetic procedures until postpartum while providing education to reduce patient distress.
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