Melasma is mostly referred to as pregnancy mask, and it is a very common skin condition among expectant mothers. It is characterized by development of brown or grayish brown pactches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
This condition is basically related to hormonal changes that occur during this period, and it can affect women carrying both boys and girls. The exact cause is fully not understood but we believe it is associated with hormonal fluctuations as with increased levels of estrogen and progesterone that occur during pregnancy.
These hormones can induce the pigment producing cells in the skin and lead to the darkening of patches. Regarding whether melasma is more common with the pregnancy of a boy or a girl, the evidence suggests that there is no scientific data to back the fact that this condition indicates baby’s gender.
There was a recent study, which examined the relationship between baby’s gender and pigmentation. And it found melasma to be present in about 25.3% of pregnant ladies with male fetuses and 21.4% being females, which indicated that there is no significant difference that would suggest the condition can predict your baby’s gender.
Melasma on the neck or any other areas does not indicate the sex of the baby; instead, these markings are the result of the body producing more melanin than usual. Women with a family history, or those who had it during previous pregnancies are likely to develop it with their next pregnancy.
It’s important to note that this condition is only a skin deep issue and it’s neither detrimental to mom’s health nor the baby’s. Though some women report it as very disturbing because of how it changes their appearance.
If you develop melasma during pregnancy, you should chat your dermatologist or healthcare provider for help on managing and treating it. Sun protection, the use of topical creams, and other dermatological treatments may be recommended to help drastically minimize how they appear on you.(We’ll discuss this in detail)
Who gets melasma during pregnancy?
There is a higher chance of this condition occuring in women with very strong levels of the female hormones.
These hormones can highly increase during pregnancy and can cause something we call – melanocytes (which is the cells that make the pigment in the skin) to produce more melanin usually when the skin is exposed to sufficient levels of sunlight. This can cause the darkened patches of the skin known as melasmas.
The chances of getting it can be higher if you:
- Have a darker skin type, because you have more active melanocytes than people with lighter skin.
- Have a history of this condition outside of pregnancy.
- Are exposed to the sun a lot, since UV light from the sun can trigger it.
- Have a family history of melasma, which can increase your risk.
It’s important to note that anyone can get melasma during pregnancy, but these factors can make it more likely.
Are you more hormonal when pregnant with a boy?
What are the signs of baby boy in pregnancy?
There are lots of old tales and myths about how to tell if someone is having a baby boy, but none of these have strong backings. For example, some people say if you don’t have morning sickness, or if your belly is carrying low, or if you’re craving salty food, it might be a boy.
Others also believe that carrying a boy won’t cause as much acne compared to having a girl as well as perhaps a lower heart rate indicating a baby boy.
But none of these have been certified by science. The truth is, the way a pregnant mom feels or looks can’t tell us the sex of the baby. The most reliable ways to find out if it’s a boy or a girl are medical tests like ultrasounds or blood tests.
How do I treat melasma during pregnancy?
While you can’t completely prevent this condition due to hormonal changes and genetic interplays, there are ways to manage and treat it:
Sun protection:
One of the sure ways to minimize this condition is to get rid of the sun as much as you can. This means using a SPF sunscreen, usually 30 or above every other day.
You should even apply when it’s cloudy and reapply every two hours. It’s best to ensure the sunscreen you use contains zinc or titanium minerals as these sit on top of the skin rather than getting absorbed.
Also, wear protective clothing including wide brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your face from UV radiation.
Skin care products:
Skincare products like exfoliants will harm your skin so you should avoid them. In fact, Waxing or hair removal can also make melasma worse. For treatment, it’s recommended to avoid certain prescribed medications like retinoids and hydroquinone during pregnancy because their effects aren’t well-studied for pregnant individuals.
Instead, look for plant-based products. Ones that contain vitamin C, azelaic acid, licorice extract, arbutin, glycolic acid, and soybean extract, as these can be very helpful.
Healthy Diet:
Enrich your pregnancy diet with plenty folate and zinc, not forgetting Vitamin C and E. These are thought to reduce skin pigmentation greatly.
Prescription Medications:
In some cases, a dermatologist may prescribe specific pregnancy-safe topical treatments or recommend other treatments like laser therapy after consulting with your obstetrician to assess the potential risks and benefits.
FAQs About Is Melasma During Pregnancy Common With Boy Or Girl
A dark neck during pregnancy is a condition called acanthosis nigricans. It is not a perfect sign of the baby’s gender. It is normally caused by varying hormones, particularly an increase in insulin that lead to hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body.
Changes in skin color or darkening of the face is not linked to the sex of the baby. It’s just hormones increasing melanin production.
Excess fatigue or sleepiness during pregnancy cannot predict whether you’re carrying a boy or girl. It is a common pregnancy symptom due to hormonal changes and increased energy demands of the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melasma during pregnancy is a common condition that affects many preggy moms, regardless of whether they are expecting a boy or a girl. It’s basically influenced by changes in hormones in the body and not by the sex of the unborn child.
While old wives’ tales and myths have long suggested that certain pregnancy symptoms, including melasma, can predict a baby’s gender, these beliefs lack scientific support.
Medical tests remain the only reliable method to determine a baby’s sex. Therefore, melasma should be viewed as a natural, albeit sometimes frustrating, part of many pregnancies, without any implications for the baby’s gender and health of mom and baby.
References:
- National Institutes Of Health (Prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy)
- National Institutes Of Health (Pigmentation control in pregnancy-induced melasma)
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Skin changes during pregnancy – melasma (chloasma)
