PREVALENCE AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED DERMATOLOGIC CHANGES AMONG ANTENATAL WOMEN
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Keywords
Pregnancy, Dermatologic changes, Hyperpigmentation, Striae gravidarum, Perception, Antenatal women, Pakistan
Abstract
Pregnancy is accompanied by various physiologic and hormonal changes that influence the skin, hair, and nails. These changes are common but may be misunderstood in the community, leading to unnecessary anxiety or self-medication. Understanding their prevalence and perception among expectant mothers is essential for effective counseling and reassurance during antenatal care.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pak International Medical College, from January 2024 to January 2025. A total of 72 antenatal women were recruited using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic details, obstetric history, clinical skin findings, and community perception. Physical examination identified physiologic and specific dermatoses. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with results presented in frequencies and percentages; the Chi-square test determined associations, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Almost all respondents (94.4%) experienced at least one dermatologic change during pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation (72.2%) and striae gravidarum (61.1%) were the most frequent findings, while specific dermatoses such as atopic eruption or PUPPP occurred in 13.9%. The occurrence of skin changes increased with advancing gestation and showed a significant association with the trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.047). Most women (77.8%) regarded these changes as normal, but misconceptions persisted among those with lower education levels. Educational level was significantly related to perception (p = 0.032*).
Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced dermatologic changes are highly prevalent and largely benign. Although most women recognize them as normal, some still associate them with disease or spiritual causes. Integrating simple dermatologic counseling into antenatal education can improve awareness, reduce misconceptions, and enhance maternal confidence during pregnancy.
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Samina Firdous
Assistant Professor, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Nafila Taqweem
MBBS, FCPS Dermatology, District Specialist, Department Of Dermatology, Services Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Farooq Ahmed Noor
Associate Professor, Department Of Community Medicine, AJK Medical College, Muzaffarabad, AJK
Naimat Ullah
Associate Professor, Department Of Dermatology, Bannu Medical College, Bannu, Pakistan
Sana Gul
Assistant Professor, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Women And Children Teaching Hospital - MTI, Bannu, Pakistan
Qamoos Razzaq
Associate Professor, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Frontier Medical And Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan