Skin darkening, what some women find helpful for itchy skin
During pregnancy many areas of a woman's skin become darker or 'pigmented'. This change is very individual, but tends to be more noticeable in women with darker hair and complexions (more so than fairer skinned, blonde or red-headed women).
The darkened skin is caused by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain producing more melanocyte-stimulating hormone (or 'MSH'). This is the same hormone that affects how tanned your skin can become and the pregnancy darkening can be made worse by exposing your body to the sun. (You may know of women who have experienced their skin darkening while taking the contraceptive Pill, this is because the hormones in the Pill can have a similar effect.)
There are many areas of a woman's body that will noticeably darken during her pregnancy. These can include darkened patches on the face (also known as the 'mask of pregnancy' or 'chloasma'), which gradually fades within a few months after the birth. The nipples usually darken, as well as the area of skin surrounding them called the 'areola'. For some women the skin under their arms, between their upper legs and around their vaginal area can also darken.
You may also notice a 'GT racing stripe' down the middle of your belly! This is called the 'linea nigra' (or 'black line'). A 'linea nigra' marks the area where your abdominal muscles meet. When you are not pregnant this is an 'unseen line' called the linea alba (or 'white line'). The stripe will look much darker soon after your baby is born. This is because your belly has 'shrunk'. It is a little like drawing on an inflated balloon, with the markings darkening when it is deflated. The 'linea nigra' will fade eventually, but this can take up to 3 to 4 months or so. The darkened line will generally reappear with a subsequent pregnancy.
Skin darkening, what some women find helpful