As if women did not have enough to worry about during pregnancy, with their growing bellies and increased body fat, now there is a mask of discoloration on the face that commands even more attention. But chloasma, or the pregnancy mask, is just a natural part of pregnancy.

Causes of Chloasma – The Pregnancy Mask
As is the case with most pregnancy related changes, hormones are responsible for chloasma. The pregnancy mask is typically more noticeable on darker skin, but that does not mean changes in face, mole and/or freckle color will not occur in light skinned moms-to-be.

Important Facts About Chloasma
While most discoloration will fade away after the baby is born, some discoloration can be permanent. The vulva, areolas, and some freckles or mole, may stay darker even after the baby is born. The pregnancy mask normally sticks around for a few months after the baby is born and then fades back to a more natural color.

Treatments for Chloasma
A pregnancy mask is common, but some women suffer from discoloration that is far worse than others. Researchers believe that increased discoloration could be linked to folic acid intake. While most women get enough folic acid in their prenatal vitamins, consuming more from natural sources will not hurt. Good natural sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, wheat bread, and whole grains. Sunscreen may help to lessen the effect of the sun on discolored patches of skin.