What hormonal skin changes are common during pregnancy?

• A. Decreased pigmentation only.
• B. Hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and pruritus.
• C. Hair loss with scaly patches.
• D. Acne and oily skin.

Answer: (B)

Pregnancy brings hormonal shifts that commonly affect the skin in several overlapping ways. Estrogen and other hormones stimulate pigment-producing cells, leading to increased melanin in areas like the areolas, linea nigra on the abdomen, and sometimes the face (melasma). The rapid expansion of the abdomen and other areas causes stretch marks (striae gravidarum) as the skin’s supporting structures are stretched and reorganized. Itching or pruritus can occur due to skin stretching and hormonal influences, making this combination of hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and pruritus a typical trio in pregnancy. The other options don’t reflect the common patterns seen during pregnancy, which is why this choice best fits.