Medical expert article
Moles during pregnancy are a common cause of concern for many expectant mothers during pregnancy.
Each new formation during this period causes not only a storm of emotions - a state akin to panic. And then the expectant mother runs to the doctor, or rummages through mountains of books and pages on the Internet devoted to this topic.
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Are moles dangerous during pregnancy?
What is a mole, and especially during pregnancy, is the first logical question that arises for the expectant mother. Let's talk. A mole, including during pregnancy, is a neoplasm on the skin of the human body. Moles are divided into congenital and those that appear throughout a person’s life. There is no need to be afraid of moles. This is a benign formation. They can become a malignant tumor only when a person has a genetic predisposition to this. In addition, mechanical damage and exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to transformation into a malignant tumor. According to experts, moles appear where cells are overcrowded with melanocytes. Melanocytes, in turn, are a certain type of skin cells that produce melanin. And it is where melanocytes accumulate in especially large quantities that a mole appears. In medical practice, moles are called nevi.
In general, moles are not dangerous at all. Naturally, if they are a benign formation. Then a large number of them still does not give cause for concern. The reason to be wary may be the growth of a mole, itching, change in shade or color, or bleeding. If some strange changes begin to occur with a mole, only in this case you should worry and schedule an examination with a good dermatologist.
A mole that has taken on the appearance of a malignant formation is called melanoma. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the problem in time,
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Causes of moles during pregnancy
If we talk about the human body in general and the appearance of moles, then most often they begin to form when a person reaches the age of ten. However, everywhere, but not very often, situations occur that a baby is born already having moles on his body as a newborn. This situation may occur once in a hundred times.
What can we say about the usual appearance of moles on the human body, the most common causes of the appearance of moles are exposure to ultraviolet radiation and hormonal imbalances in the body. Although these do not necessarily have to be failures - most often we are talking about various hormonal changes in the body. The first example of this is puberty. Situations are very common when, upon reaching the age of eleven to fourteen, a teenager discovers the appearance of new moles on the body. Other hormonal changes that can lead to the formation of moles include: pregnancy, abortion, menopause, and certain medications that a person takes.
The female body is characterized by a greater number of body changes associated with hormonal changes. This explains the fact that the presence of moles is more common in women than in men.
Therefore, you should not be afraid if moles begin to appear during pregnancy. This process is completely natural and logical. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are characterized by frantic surges of hormonal levels. Thus, metabolic processes in the female body during pregnancy are regulated, and hormones also help the growth of the fetus. The female body has to work twice as hard to withstand such a load; the body begins to secrete hormones in double quantities. The appearance of moles during pregnancy just indicates the excellent functioning of the hormonal system. Therefore, fear and panic are completely inappropriate here. Moreover, moles that appear during pregnancy often disappear after some time. Of course, moles don’t always go away, but such cases do happen. If moles do not disappear, try to look at this situation differently - let them remind you of the great happiness of having a child.
Why did a mole get bigger during pregnancy?
The appearance of moles during pregnancy in itself is a process that does not require concern. It’s another matter if strange transformations begin to occur with new and old moles. For example, the following facts should attract the attention of the expectant mother:
- change in mole color;
- increase in the size of the mole;
- pain in a mole;
- the presence of itching or burning in the area of the birthmark;
- swelling of a previously flat mole.
Any of the above processes is a significant enough reason to contact a specialist. There is no need to panic in advance, since the changes that occurred with the birthmark could only be caused by hormonal stress.
A specialist will examine the mole and will be able to tell you what is happening to it and how to properly care for this birthmark. The most common tips for caring for a mole that has enlarged during pregnancy:
- hide a mole that has increased in size during pregnancy from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- if a mole has increased in size during pregnancy, under no circumstances should it be allowed to be injured;
- If the size of a mole increases during pregnancy, under no circumstances should you allow it to be scratched;
- Squeezing out an enlarged mole is contraindicated, even if there is an accumulation of fluid in it.
Who to contact?
Mole removal during pregnancy
An experienced specialist can easily allay concerns about a strange or newly formed mole. Removing moles during pregnancy - the expectant mother will be asked to take this step in some extreme cases, if the situation is very serious and there is a risk that melanoma will develop. All other cases are common, which is why doctors usually do not resort to removing moles during pregnancy. The most that a specialist can advise is to tell you how to properly treat a birthmark and how best to care for it.
Myths regarding moles during pregnancy
We can talk about the superstition of pregnant women at length and at length. Moles are one of the popular topics around which there are many myths, legends, tales and other superstitions among pregnant women. Let's try to figure out some of them, which are real and which are not.
- Myth one: when a new mole appears on a pregnant woman, you should expect a similar birthmark on the baby’s body.
As for newly emerging moles on a pregnant woman’s body, we can absolutely say that similar birthmarks will not appear on the baby. The only trend that can be even slightly tied to this myth is a genetic predisposition to moles. The fact is that birthmarks are often inherited. When a mother has a lot of moles, it is quite possible that her child will have a large number of them. This is not at all dangerous, this phenomenon is quite natural.
- Myth two: about the fateful significance of moles that form during pregnancy.
Of course, almost all folk signs are not supported by scientific facts. Therefore, it is difficult to talk about any “fate” here. It’s another matter if the expectant mother believes in signs and superstitions, then she has the right to decide for herself to what extent such a fact holds true for her.
- Myth three: if during a strong fright the expectant mother grabs some part of the body, then the child will have a birthmark in the same place.
This myth also refers to signs and beliefs, therefore from the point of view of science it is fantasy. The expectant mother is already subject to a lot of stress and reasons to worry, so doctors advise not to pay attention to such nonsense, because believing in such signs can only create many additional difficulties during pregnancy.
Moles during pregnancy are a common phenomenon that is completely natural and should not be feared under any circumstances. The appearance of new moles is natural during pregnancy due to hormonal changes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman. The growth of existing moles, as well as their redness, is a generally not very favorable trend, but you should not be afraid of it; you just need to contact a specialist to establish the cause of the mole during pregnancy, as well as further behavior, handling and care. Removing moles during pregnancy is a last resort; it is practiced in rare cases when a mole is dangerous and threatens the health of the pregnant woman and her baby.
The information that any changes in nevi should not be ignored and may indicate their degeneration into melanoma is known to many. Therefore, the appearance of moles during pregnancy, as well as their darkening or changes in shape and size, alarms a woman. She begins to worry - is everything okay with her and the unborn baby? How does pregnancy affect moles, and in what cases should changes in nevi alert a woman?
New moles on the body during pregnancy
New nevi during pregnancy most often appear or change their appearance in the second trimester. Many are frightened by these changes, believing that from benign pigmented formations, nevi degenerate into melanoma - a dangerous cancer.
In the case of pregnancy, a change in the number of moles is most often associated with changing levels of hormones, which are characteristic of the body during this period. You can even say this: the appearance of new birthmarks during pregnancy indicates that the hormonal system is changing and working well, helping the body cope with the load that falls on it while expecting a child. New moles that have appeared are further confirmation of this.
There are also numerous cases where nevi that were already on the body disappeared during pregnancy. This is also related to the functioning of the hormonal system. After some time, when the hormonal levels return to normal, some moles gradually disappear, others remain on the body and remind of the pregnancy that caused their appearance.
Darkening of moles during pregnancy
Another issue that worries pregnant women is the darkening of nevi. This is also a natural phenomenon during the period of restructuring of the body during pregnancy. Such changes are explained by the fact that the amount of melanin in the body, the pigment that gives color to the skin, increases. Considering that nevi are formed precisely from pigment cells, it is not difficult to explain their darkening - melanin is produced in excess, and it begins to appear (protrude) on the skin: the areolas of the breast, the navel line and existing pigmented moles become dark.
Changes in the shape and size of nevi during pregnancy
Despite the fact that most often the appearance of new nevi and the disappearance and darkening of old ones are associated with hormonal changes in the body, some moles cannot be ignored during pregnancy. What should a woman be wary of?
- The mole starts to hurt a lot and you “feel” it;
- It itches and itches;
- Grows very quickly;
- Bleeds;
- The skin around the nevus peels off;
- A red rim appeared;
- Liquid appeared inside.
New birthmarks that appear while expecting a baby should alert you if they are different from those already on the body - they have a completely different shape, color or size. As they say, “a mole is strange” or “looks strange,” that is, it stands out from others.
Which doctor should I contact?
It is better to consult a specialist regarding any changes in nevi during pregnancy:
- First you need to show and tell your gynecologist about the changes;
- If possible, it is better to take a referral to a dermatologist;
- You can consult a specialist with a narrower profile at the diagnostic center - a dermatologist-oncologist. After an examination, an experienced doctor will determine whether there is danger in the mole and advise you what to do next. To do this, he will examine the mole under a magnifying glass or a special device that allows him to carefully study the microstructure of the tissues that make up the neoplasm. If necessary, a biopsy will be taken for histological analysis;
- If the nevus is located in the chest area and it causes concern, then you can see not only a dermatologist, but also a mammologist.
It is quite possible that one visit to specialists will dispel all fears, since the degeneration of nevi into melanoma is not so common.
What moles need to be removed during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to remove moles during pregnancy, but it is not prohibited either.
- It is advised to get rid of those nevi that are susceptible to high trauma - they can get caught when changing clothes or bathing. Such caution is due to the fact that damaged moles are at increased risk - they can degenerate into melanoma-dangerous formations;
- Moles that appear or are located in the perineal area are also removed. Especially those that can be damaged during childbirth, that is, located in the birth canal area;
- If a nevus during pregnancy turns out to be a precancerous formation, then it will also be recommended to remove it. If it is possible to wait, then this will be done after childbirth; if time is pressing, then the doctor, having familiarized the pregnant woman with all the risks and signed the appropriate papers stating that an introductory conversation was held with the patient and she is aware of all the risks, will surgically excise the mole.
Prevention
It has been scientifically proven that ultraviolet radiation is considered one of the main factors causing changes in nevi. Therefore, while expecting a child, you should be especially careful about sunbathing. This is especially important for those who are prone to the appearance of moles. Of course, you shouldn’t completely give up tanning, but it’s better to do it at favorable hours – before 10 am and after 4 – 5 pm.
In addition, you should try to cover open areas of your body with clothes and wear a wide-brimmed hat that will hide your face from the sun - this will help avoid hyperpigmentation of moles on the forehead and cheeks, neck, décolleté and shoulders.
The appearance of moles during pregnancy is considered normal, with rare exceptions in those cases when a hormonal surge can provoke a modification of the nevus and its transformation into melanoma. Statistics say that this happens very rarely - in 1 case in 100 thousand. So you shouldn’t panic when you notice moles on your body during pregnancy.
The appearance of moles in pregnant women is a fairly common occurrence and almost always causes concern. Therefore, expectant mothers want to know why this happens and whether it is worth getting rid of them. After all, some people notice that completely new moles have appeared and in large numbers. Others note that an old mole has grown or changed color.
In medicine, a mole is called a nevus and is a pigmented formation on the skin. It appears on the body in those places where there is a high accumulation of melanocytes. This is a completely harmless benign formation. Moles often begin to appear during adolescence due to hormonal changes.
As you know, during pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes great changes. This applies to internal organs, immunity, nervous system and hormonal levels. It is during this period that colossal changes in hormones occur that nevi appear, which is considered a completely natural process. Many women may notice increased skin pigmentation, especially on the chest, neck and abdomen. This happens due to excess melanin production.
Not everyone experiences this process the same way. It happens that only a few moles appear or they appear all over the body. It all depends on the immune system and how dramatically the hormonal levels change. Still, there is no need to worry too much; it is enough to periodically check new moles and keep an eye on old moles. Many women note that after childbirth, most moles simply disappeared.
Sometimes, in addition to moles, papillomas appear, and in rather inconvenient places. They occur in the armpits, on the neck and even on the nipples. This is due to weakened immunity and the presence of papillomavirus in the pregnant woman’s body. In this case, you should contact an immunologist to solve the problems. Usually, papillomas are removed some time after childbirth, and the process itself is painless and quick.
Attention! During pregnancy, you should not try to remove moles or papillomas on your own. This may harm the baby, so you should consult a doctor.
be careful
The presence of papillomas, warts, condylomas, moles and spines on the body is the first sign of malignant melanoma!
We hasten to warn you that most medications “treat” warts, papillomas, moles, etc. - this is a complete deception of marketers who make hundreds of percentage points on drugs whose effectiveness is zero. They do not cure the disease, but only mask the symptoms.
The pharmacy mafia makes huge money by deceiving sick people.
But what to do? How to treat if there is deception everywhere? Doctor of Medical Sciences Anatoly Makhson conducted his own investigation and found a way out of this situation. In this article, the Doctor also told how to 100% protect yourself from melanoma, for only 149 rubles!
Read the article in the official source following the link.
Why does a mole get bigger during pregnancy?
Moles that begin to change their size and color are of great concern. This problem is complicated if such nevi appear on folds of the skin or places that are in close contact with clothing. This leads to constant irritation of the mole and it becomes injured. But even such changes do not always indicate danger. In most cases, the cause of these changes is hormones. After pregnancy, everything can return to normal.
However, an enlarged nevus should not be missed. This is especially true for raised moles. Be sure to pay attention to:
- Color change;
- Asymmetry;
- Change in size;
- Seal;
- Uneven boundaries;
- Itching or burning;
- Discomfort or pain.
If a woman notices at least one of these signs, she should definitely consult a specialist. He will assess the danger of the tumor, determine the degree of risk and find the best option to change the situation for the better. Diagnosis in the form of histology may be necessary, which will allow examination of the neoplasm tissue.
Important! Avoid injuring the enlarged mole.
With proper skin care you can protect yourself. To do this you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight on the mole;
- Try to protect the nevus from injury, do not comb or pick;
- Do not press on the mole, even if an accumulation of fluid is detected in it.
Bleeding moles that have changed their boundaries and structure become dangerous. They can be the beginning of the degeneration of a neoplasm into melanoma.
Doctors' opinions on the most effective methods of treating warts and papillomas
The chief physician of Moscow City Hospital No. 62 describes his vision on this matter. Anatoly Nakhimovich Makhson
Medical practice: more than 40 years.
“I have been treating people’s papillomas and warts for many years. I’m telling you as a doctor, papillomas along with HPV and warts can really lead to serious consequences if they are not dealt with.
The human papillomavirus is present in everyone on whose body there are papillomas, moles, warts and other pigmented formations. According to rough estimates, 80-85% of the planet's population has it. By themselves they are not dangerous. The problem is that an ordinary papilloma can become melanoma at any time.
These are incurable malignant tumors that kill a person in just a few months and from which there is no salvation.
Unfortunately, in Russia and the CIS countries, pharmaceutical corporations sell expensive medications that only relieve symptoms, thereby hooking people on one drug or another. That is why in these countries there is such a high percentage of cancer diseases and so many people suffer from “non-working” drugs.
The only drug that I want to recommend, and it is also officially recommended by WHO for the treatment of papillomas and warts, is Papinol. This drug is the only remedy that has an effect not only on external factors (that is, it removes papillomas), but also acts on the virus itself. At the moment, the manufacturer has managed not only to create a highly effective product, but also to make it accessible to everyone. In addition, within the framework of the federal program, every resident of the Russian Federation and the CIS can receive it for 149 rubles.”
To find out more, read this article.
Many moles appeared during pregnancy and why are they dangerous?
Some women don’t know why there are so many moles. They can cover large areas of skin. But this does not always indicate danger. During normal periods, the female body undergoes constant hormonal changes. And during pregnancy everything increases several times.
This is what has a significant impact on melanin production. It leads to darkening of the navel, nipple halo and the appearance of numerous moles. This process is considered completely normal, and doctors recommend not to panic ahead of time.
The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding is accompanied by huge surges in hormonal levels. This is necessary to regulate metabolic processes and normal development of the fetus in the womb. At this time, her body works with increased load and therefore needs more hormones.
It is the appearance of age spots and moles that indicates the normal functioning of the hormonal system. There is no need to panic and be afraid of the appearance of nevi. Moreover, most tumors simply disappear after childbirth. Perhaps some of them will remain, but they will not be dangerous.
Is it possible to remove moles during pregnancy?
Usually, pregnant women do not have moles removed, because most of them are completely safe and do not pose any harm to health. There are cases when removal is done immediately. Still, this happens quite rarely. In most cases, doctors simply slow down the growth of the tumor, delaying the removal until the postpartum period.
But is it possible to remove a mole during pregnancy? Sometimes doctors make this decision. The reason for this is:
- Inconvenient location;
- Permanent injury;
- The appearance of a tumor in the perineal or genital area.
Such moles are dangerous because they have permanent damage. Especially if they are located near the genitals. After all, during childbirth they can easily be injured and lead to excess blood loss.
If a woman has an oncologist’s conclusion that the tumor is dangerous, then surgical intervention is used. The main thing is to avoid the proliferation of affected cells. Such a mole is excised completely, and the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia.
Having moles during pregnancy is not always a bad thing. This is just a peculiar response of the body to the birth of a small life. And after the birth of the baby, women noticed the disappearance of numerous moles and the evening out of skin color after age spots. Therefore, it is better to enjoy such a wonderful period and look forward to the arrival of a new person.
If you have decided to remove a mole, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular method, namely, removing moles with a laser: