Skin tags during pregnancy are small, harmless flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that commonly appear as your body changes to accommodate your growing baby. These benign skin growths (medically known as acrochordons) typically show up in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, like your neck, underarms, beneath your breasts, or in your groin area. They’re incredibly common—affecting up to 50% of expectant mothers—and are primarily caused by hormonal changes, weight gain, and increased friction. While they might be annoying or affect your confidence, they pose absolutely no risk to you or your baby and often diminish or disappear after delivery.
What Exactly Are These Little Hangers-On?
Ever noticed those small, soft pieces of skin that seem to be just… hanging around? That’s exactly what skin tags are! Think of them as tiny skin balloons on stalks—completely benign, painless growths that protrude from your skin.
Key characteristics of skin tags include:
Small, soft pieces of skin connected by a thin stalk
Usually flesh-colored or slightly darker
Typically range from 1-5mm (though they can grow larger)
Painless (unless they become irritated by clothing or jewelry)
Most commonly appear in skin folds or areas of friction
Don’t confuse skin tags with moles or warts! Unlike moles, skin tags don’t typically change color or shape (a good thing!), and unlike warts, they’re smooth rather than rough and aren’t contagious. They’re just your skin’s quirky way of responding to your amazing pregnancy journey.
Why Is Your Pregnant Body Suddenly a Skin Tag Factory?
Wondering why your body’s suddenly producing these little skin accessories like they’re going out of style? You can thank your pregnancy hormones! (Is there anything they don’t affect during these nine months?)
The perfect storm for skin tag development includes:
Hormonal Havoc
Your estrogen and progesterone levels are skyrocketing, which increases skin cell growth and can make your skin tags party like it’s 1999. These hormones also make your skin more likely to grow and stretch in unusual ways.
Weight Gain & Friction
As your beautiful baby bump grows (along with other parts of your body), you create more skin folds and areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This friction is like an engraved invitation for skin tags to develop.
Genetic Predisposition
Got a mom or sister who developed skin tags during pregnancy? You might be more likely to experience them too. (Thanks for that genetic gift, Mom!)
Insulin Resistance
Some studies suggest that pregnancy-related insulin resistance might contribute to skin tag development. It’s like your changing metabolism is leaving little skin souvenirs!
The Timeline: When to Expect These Unwelcome Guests
First Trimester: You might notice the first few skin tags appearing as early as the first trimester when hormone levels begin their dramatic climb.
Second and Third Trimesters: This is prime time for skin tag development as your body expands and hormones reach their peak levels. Don’t be surprised if existing tags grow larger or new ones appear.
Post-Pregnancy: Here’s the good news you’ve been waiting for! Many women find that their skin tags shrink or even disappear completely after delivery as hormone levels return to normal. (Though some might decide to stick around as permanent souvenirs of your pregnancy journey.)
Should You Be Concerned? (Spoiler: Probably Not)
Let me ease your mind right away: skin tags during pregnancy are completely harmless to both you and your baby. They’re not cancerous, they’re not contagious, and they’re not a sign of any underlying health problem.
However, there are a few situations when you should chat with your healthcare provider:
If a skin tag bleeds, becomes painful, or changes color
If you’re unsure whether a growth is actually a skin tag
If a skin tag becomes infected (red, swollen, painful)
If skin tags are causing significant physical discomfort
Remember, your doctor has seen it all before—there’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about!
Treatment Options: What’s Safe While You’re Expecting?
While you might be tempted to take matters into your own hands (please don’t try to snip them off with nail clippers—yes, people actually do this!), most dermatologists recommend leaving skin tags alone during pregnancy.
Safe approaches during pregnancy include:
Gentle cleansing of the affected areas
Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation
Using soft cotton fabrics against your skin
Keeping skin folds dry to prevent infection
Treatments to avoid until after delivery:
Over-the-counter removal products (they contain chemicals that haven’t been tested for pregnancy safety)
Cutting, freezing, or burning treatments
Tying off skin tags with string or dental floss (this DIY method can lead to infection)
Prevention: Can You Stop Them Before They Start?
Can you completely prevent skin tags during pregnancy? Probably not—those hormones are powerful forces of nature! But you can minimize their development with a few simple strategies.
Try these skin tag reduction tactics:
Keep skin clean and dry, especially in fold areas
Use powder in areas prone to moisture and friction
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
Choose cotton fabrics over synthetics
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels (another good reason to follow your pregnancy nutrition plan!)
After Baby Arrives: Saying Goodbye to Your Skin Tag Collection
Once you’ve welcomed your little one and your hormone levels begin returning to normal, you might notice your skin tags starting to shrink. Many will disappear on their own within a few months postpartum. (Nature’s push present to you!)
For those stubborn tags that decide to stick around, you’ll have several removal options once you’re no longer pregnant or breastfeeding:
Professional removal methods: Your dermatologist can snip, freeze, or burn them off in quick, simple procedures.
Over-the-counter products: Various creams and freezing treatments(cryotherapy) become options again.
Natural remedies: Some women report success with apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil (though scientific evidence is limited).
Recovery from professional removal is typically quick with minimal scarring—you’ll be back to your regular routine almost immediately.
The Emotional Side: When Skin Tags Affect Your Confidence
Let’s be honest—pregnancy brings enough body changes without adding skin tags to the mix! It’s completely normal to feel self-conscious about these new additions, especially if they appear in visible areas like your neck or face.
Remember that:
These changes are temporary and normal
Nearly half of all pregnant women experience skin tags
They’re a sign your body is doing exactly what it needs to do to nurture your baby
Your partner, friends, and family are far less focused on them than you are
If skin tags are affecting your self-image, talk about it! Whether with your partner, friends who’ve been through pregnancy, or even a therapist—acknowledging these feelings can help tremendously.
The Bottom Line on Pregnancy Skin Tags
Skin tags during pregnancy are just one more way your body shows how remarkably it adapts to grow a whole new human being. While they might be annoying, they’re harmless passengers on your pregnancy journey who will likely move on once their work is done.
Remember these key points:
Skin tags during pregnancy are completely normal and harmless
They’re primarily caused by hormonal changes and increased friction
Most will shrink or disappear after delivery
Professional removal should wait until after pregnancy
They’re nothing to be embarrassed about—they’re badges of your amazing body’s work!
Have you noticed skin tags developing during your pregnancy? Consider mentioning them at your next prenatal appointment, not because they’re dangerous, but because your healthcare provider can confirm they’re actually skin tags and not something else. After all, peace of mind is priceless during pregnancy!
