What does melasma refer to during pregnancy?

Melasma during pregnancy refers specifically to brownish pigmentation on the face, often manifesting as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. This condition, sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," occurs due to hormonal changes that affect melanin production in the skin. The increase in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy stimulates melanocytes, leading to the development of these darker areas on the face.

While other skin changes, such as rashes or stretch marks, can occur during pregnancy, melasma is uniquely characterized by its pigmentary changes. Swelling of the feet is also a common issue in pregnancy but does not relate to skin pigmentation. Understanding melasma is important for recognizing the effects of hormonal changes on skin during pregnancy, and it often resolves after childbirth or with appropriate skincare.