Skin and hair changes, and how they show on darker skin

Pregnancy hormones touch almost every part of you, including your skin and hair. Many of these changes are completely harmless and tend to fade after your baby arrives. Knowing what to expect, and how it can look on your own skin, takes a lot of the worry out of it.

Many people notice their skin pigment deepens. A dark line called the linea nigra may appear running down the centre of your bump, and you may see darker patches on your face, sometimes called melasma or the 'mask of pregnancy'. On richer, deeper skin tones these patches can be more pronounced and may show as areas noticeably darker than your surrounding skin; on lighter skin they often look brown or greyish. Sun can make pigmentation stronger across all skin tones, so a daily high-factor sunscreen helps. These changes usually fade in the months after birth.

Stretch marks often appear on the bump, breasts, hips or thighs as your skin stretches. When they're new they can look raised and a different shade from your natural skin, on darker skin they may appear darker brown, deep purple or reddish-brown, while on lighter skin they often look pink or red. Over time they flatten and fade to a paler, silvery or slightly lighter tone than your surrounding skin. They're a normal part of your body growing, and no cream can reliably prevent them, though keeping skin moisturised can ease any itch.

Your hair may feel thicker and fuller during pregnancy because hormones slow down normal shedding. After your baby is born, that extra hair sheds over a few months, this can feel alarming but it settles, and your hair is not falling out for good.

Some skin changes are worth flagging. Widespread or intense itching, especially on your palms and soles and particularly at night, should always be reported to your midwife the same day, as it can occasionally signal a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis, and importantly, on darker skin there may be little or no visible rash or redness to see, so trust the itch itself rather than waiting for something to appear. Any new rash, blistering, or a mole that changes shape, size or colour is also worth getting checked.

Whatever your skin does in these months, it's working hard for you. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers, plenty of water and sun protection are the simple basics. And if something doesn't look or feel right to you, your midwife will always take a look.