# NEVIGRAV Study: A Case–Control Analysis on Changes in Melanocytic Nevi During Pregnancy

## TL;DR

This study finds that pregnancy can cause size and pigmentation changes in existing moles, especially on the abdomen, but does not increase the number of moles.

## Contribution

The study introduces a standardized method using full-body photography and digital dermoscopy to analyze nevus changes during pregnancy.

## Key findings

- Pregnancy causes dimensional growth in nevi on the abdomen and back, with further growth in the third trimester.
- Pigmentation changes during pregnancy vary by phototype, with phototype III showing increased pigmentation and phototype II reduced pigmentation.
- No new moles appear during pregnancy, and no symmetry or dermoscopic pattern changes are observed.

## Abstract

Pregnancy can influence modifications and appearance of melanocytic nevi, but studies report inconsistent findings, often lacking standardized methods and comparison groups. This study evaluates dermoscopic changes in nevi and the development of new melanocytic lesions in pregnant women using full‐body photography and digital dermoscopy. Nevigrav is an observational case–control study conducted at two university dermatology centers, involving 85 participants (45 pregnant women and 40 controls) with 1614 lesions analyzed. Participants were asked about recent sun exposure or tanning habits. Enrollment was predominantly conducted in autumn and winter months to minimize ultraviolet (UV) exposure as a confounding factor. Total body photography revealed no new lesions in pregnant women when compared to controls. Dimensional growth was observed in the abdomen (p = 0.049) and the back (p < 0.001) between the first and second trimesters, with further abdominal growth in the third trimester (p < 0.001). At the third trimester, pigmentation changes were significant, with phototype III maintaining or increasing pigmentation and phototype II showing a reduction of pigmentation (χ
2 = 32.33, p < 0.001). Regional pigmentation differences were noted in the mammary (p = 0.02), abdominal (p = 0.004), and thigh (p = 0.007) areas. No changes in symmetry or dermoscopic nevi patterns, including dots or globules, were observed. Pregnancy does not increase nevi count but may cause size and pigmentation changes, particularly in the abdomen, influenced by phototype and body region. No new dermoscopic patterns or symmetry changes were found.