A pregnant client asks when the dark line on her abdomen (linea nigra) will go away. The nurse knows the pigmentation will decrease after birth because of:
A) increased estrogen.
B) increased progesterone.
C) decreased human placental lactogen.
D) decreased melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases during pregnancy and is responsible for changes in skin pigmentation; the amount decreases after birth. Estrogen levels decrease after birth. Progesterone levels decrease after birth. Human placental lactogen production continues to aid in lactation. However, it does not affect pigmentation.

A Pregnant Client Asks When the Dark Line on Her