What the fuck are mongolian spots?
When our son was born, we were basking in that golden-hour glow of newborn euphoria—until we noticed dark spots on his lower back near the top of his bum. They looked suspiciously like bruises, and naturally, I low key panicked. “Was this from the birth canal? Did we do something wrong?” But when the pediatrician did their rounds, they didn’t even mention the spots. That’s when I did the worst thing possible: Googled it. Spoiler alert: Googling your baby’s symptoms is like playing medical roulette.
Fast forward to a casual conversation with some friends. We were commiserating over all the weird baby stuff no one warns you about—like brick dust in diapers (don’t even get me started). They mentioned their daughter had something called Mongolian spots. My husband and I exchanged a look. “What the f*** are Mongolian spots?” we blurted out. Thus began our journey into the strange, fascinating world of Mongolian spots. Here's everything you need to know, because odds are, you didn’t get the memo either.
What Are Mongolian Spots?
Mongolian spots (also called slate gray nevi) are flat, blue-gray birthmarks that often look like bruises. They’re caused by an accumulation of melanocytes—the cells that produce pigment—trapped in the deeper layers of the skin during development. Unlike bruises, these spots are completely benign and not a cause for concern.
Where Do You Find Them?
They’re most commonly found on the lower back and buttocks but can also appear on the shoulders, arms, or legs. Basically, they like to camp out on soft, squishy baby parts.
Are They Bruises?
Nope! Although they look eerily like bruises, Mongolian spots aren’t caused by trauma. This distinction is important because some well-meaning but uninformed folks might raise eyebrows. Just smile and educate them.
When Will They Go Away?
Most Mongolian spots fade away on their own by the time your child is 4 to 5 years old. Some persist into adulthood, but they often become much lighter and less noticeable.
Is There a Treatment for Them?
There’s no need for treatment. Mongolian spots are harmless and don’t cause any discomfort. Unless you’re entering your baby in a spotless baby competition (which you shouldn’t), there’s nothing to worry about.
Do They Hurt the Baby?
Nope, they’re entirely painless. Your baby doesn’t even know they’re there.
Are They Caused by Labor and Delivery?
No. Mongolian spots have nothing to do with labor, delivery, or fetal positioning. They’re simply a result of how pigment cells settle during skin development in utero.
Can You Avoid Them?
Nope, sorry! Mongolian spots are purely genetic and not influenced by anything you did or didn’t do during pregnancy.
Are They Hereditary?
Yes, they are! Mongolian spots are more common in certain ethnic groups, which brings us to the next question.
How Common Are They in Newborn Babies?
Mongolian spots are pretty common. According to research, they occur in about 80-90% of babies of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent. In contrast, they’re found in only about 5-10% of Caucasian babies.
Do Specific Ethnicities Tend to Get Mongolian Spots?
Yes. Babies with darker skin tones are more likely to have Mongolian spots. This is because these populations tend to have more active melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for the spots.
How Do You Tell the Difference Between Mongolian Spots and Bruises?
Here’s a quick guide:
Color: Mongolian spots are blue-gray, while bruises can range from reddish-purple to greenish-yellow as they heal.
Location: Mongolian spots are usually on the lower back and buttocks. Bruises can appear anywhere.
Pain: Bruises may be tender; Mongolian spots are not.
Shape and Edges: Mongolian spots have smooth, irregular edges, while bruises often have more defined borders.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
If you notice:
Spots in unusual locations.
Spots that change rapidly or seem swollen.
Any concerns about actual bruising due to trauma.
While Mongolian spots are usually straightforward, always consult your pediatrician if you’re unsure. A quick check can save you from unnecessary worry.
The Takeaway
Mongolian spots are one of those quirky, perfectly normal things about newborns that no one talks about until you’re knee-deep in diapers and late-night Googling. Now you know: they’re harmless, pretty common, and they’ll most likely fade away. So, add this tidbit to your arsenal of random parenting facts and move on to the next mystery—because with babies, there’s always a next mystery.
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Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics on Birthmarks
NIH Study on Dermal Melanocytosis
WebMD: What Are Mongolian Spots?
