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Change in skin pigmentation during pregnancy

Increased pigmentation around the nipples (areola), the navel and the perineum is common in pregnancy.

Also common is the formation of a dark line extending from the navel down to the pubis, known as the linea nigra.

All this is hormonal and the increased pigmentation is always temporary, clearing up within weeks of delivery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy

This is a condition where there is pain, numbness and even weakness of some of the fingers in one or both hands. This condition is not an exclusive pregnancy condition but may occur for the first time during pregnancy.

Fluid retention is thought to be partly to blame for carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be quite debilitating sometimes requiring surgical intervention to relieve the symptoms. This is uncommon. In most cases, merely splinting the fingers will help. It usually resolves after delivery.

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Linea nigra clears up soon after delivery

The dark line below the navel (linea nigra) will normally clear up completely within weeks of delivery

In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is the compression of the Median Nerve at the wrist joint that brings about the numbness and pain