Maternity Nursing Q 133

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The following are skin changes in pregnancy EXCEPT:

  

     A. Chloasma

     B. Striae gravidarum

     C. Linea negra

     D. Chadwick’s sign

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Chadwick’s sign

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Chadwick’s sign is bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa as a result of the increased vascularization in the area.

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Option A: It is also sometimes known as ‘melasma’ or the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Chloasma is thought to be due to stimulation of pigment-producing cells by female sex hormones so that they produce more melanin pigments (dark colored pigments) when the skin is exposed to the sun.

Option B: Striae gravidarum (SG) are atrophic linear scars that represent one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy. Histologically, the appearance of SG is similar to striae distensae (SD) and contingent on lesion age. Early on, active lesions are comprised predominantly of fine elastic fibers but aging lesions demonstrate a thinning of the dermis and decrease of collagen content in the upper dermis

Option C: Linea Nigra is the dark line that develops across the belly during pregnancy. The specific cause of the linea nigra is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the changing hormones or the imbalance of hormones as a result of the developing baby. One theory is that the melanocyte-stimulating hormone created by the placenta is the main contributing factor.

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