Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why do some skin areas darken during pregnancy?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
pregnancy
Devices for individual use at home detect pregnancy by measuring levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine.
During pregnancy, many women experience increased pigmentation in specific areas of the body, such as the areolas of the breasts and the vulva. Additionally, some women develop the "mask of pregnancy," which involves brownish pigment deposits on the forehead, cheeks, and nose.1
These skin changes are largely attributed to the significantly elevated levels of estrogen circulating in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy. While the exact mechanism involves the regulation of melanin production, most of these pigmentary changes typically fade or disappear following delivery.1