Moles are dark spots on the skin that are usually small and harmless. They come from the clustering of pigment cells called melanocytes. Moles may appear at birth or later in life. However, some women develop moles during pregnancy and wonder whether this is normal. Still, others may notice some changes in their existing moles and worry if these are harmful. Read on to learn more.

New Moles or Mole Changes During Pregnancy: Should You Worry?

There is no need to worry if you develop new moles while pregnant. This is a common observation, especially in the areas of the stomach and breasts. Existing moles may also change and get bigger and darker in color.

Most new moles and mole changes are benign or harmless during pregnancy. During this period, hormonal changes occur, resulting in increased estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes may trigger the pigment cells or melanocytes to produce more pigment and cause color changes in the skin, including the moles. Most of the newly formed moles will go away after pregnancy, and there is a chance that larger moles may grow back to the previous sizes.

When Are Moles Harmful?

Although most moles cause no harm, some moles can become malignant or cancerous. Melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that appears as a fast-growing spot. It may be a new or pre-existing mole that itches, turns red, or even bleeds.

Cancerous moles during pregnancy are identical to those in non-pregnant women. You can do a self-evaluation of suspicious moles, but be sure to ask a dermatologist to examine it for proper evaluation and treatment.

To evaluate your mole, use the ABCDE method:

• A for Asymmetry – If your mole does not have a symmetrical shape, where shape of one half of the mole does not match the other half, it may be a malignant mole.
• B for Border – If the edge or border of your mole is irregular or undefined, it might be a suspicious mole.
• C for Color – If the mole has various colors with shades of white, red, blue, brown and black, it may be cancerous.
• D for Diameter – If it is bigger than 6 mm, it may be malignant, but smaller moles may be malignant as well.
• E for Elevated – If the mole is not flat, but elevated or bulging, there is a chance that it is malignant.

Mole Care During Pregnancy

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure which can damage the skin, especially if you have lots of moles. Use a sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. Cover your body with clothes and wear a hat. Try to stay indoors or under a shade during the hottest part of the day (between 11 am and 3 pm).

How to Get Rid of the Moles

Most moles during pregnancy are harmless and transient. However, if they really disturb you, you can try natural ways to remove them. It is best to consult your dermatologist first.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a natural acid that helps remove moles by burning them slowly and causing them to fall off as scabs. It is also known as an anti-bacterial agent that can protect the area from infection. Be sure you are not allergic to ACV before using it.

How to Apply:

• Dip a piece of cotton in ACV. Apply on the mole area. Hold in place with a gauze and tape.
• Remove after one hour.
• Do this once daily to get rid of the mole in about 10 days.

2. Baking Soda plus Castor Oil

Castor oil is believed to have the ability to dissipate the growth of moles and reduce the chance of scarring after treatment.

How to Apply:

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and about 3-4 drops of castor oil until it creates a gummy texture.
• Apply some of it on your mole before going to bed.
• Cover the area with gauze or adhesive bandages and tapes.
• Take them off and wash upon waking up.

3. Ground Flaxseeds, Flaxseed Oil, and Honey

Flaxseed oil helps slowly loosen moles from their edges and gradually removes them. Honey has anti-bacterial properties that help prevent infections and remove scars.

How to Apply:

• Wash the mole with lukewarm water. Pat dry.
• Mix a teaspoon of honey, powdered ground flaxseed, and flaxseed oil into a smooth paste.
• Apply a small amount on the mole and cover with gauze and tapes.
• Leave on for one hour. Wash off with water.

4. Tea Tree Oil

This treatment works for shallow, raised moles during pregnancy. Do not use it if you are allergic to tea tree oil.

How to Apply:

• Dip a cotton bud in tea tree oil and apply on your mole.
• Cover with adhesive bandage for one hour.

5. Garlic

The enzymes from garlic help break down the cell structures in moles.

How to Apply:

• Slice a piece of garlic and apply on the mole. Hold in place using tape.
• Leave on overnight.
• Do this every night before bedtime to get rid of moles in just a few weeks.

6. Banana Peel

It is believed that banana peels are effective in the treatment of moles.

How to Apply: 

• Cut a small piece of ripe banana peel and apply on the mole, with the yellow portion of the banana peel facing outward. Hold in place with a bandage.
• Leave on for one hour.
• Do this daily to get rid of moles in a few weeks.