These are not bruises!

These are not bruises! They are blue grey spots also known as blue spots or slate grey nevus (congenital dermal melanocytosis)

You may know them as 'Mongolian blue spots' but this is racially derogatory medical terminology.

Blue-grey spots are a kind of birthmark that are flat, blue, purple ish or blue-grey, and can vary in size. They are often found on the buttocks and lower back, appearing at birth or in the first few weeks of life. They do not hurt.

These spots are more common in non-White infants BUT, as many blood lines are pretty mixed, there are some babies who are considered to be White that will have these spots.

At least one spot is present on over 90% of Indigenous Americans and people of African descent, over 80% of Asians, over 70% of Hispanics, and just under 10% of fair-skinned infants. This 10% is mostly made up of babies with roots in the Mediterranean.

If a blue spot is noticed at birth, it should be documented by the person examining your newborn so that they are not mistaken for bruises. If its not documented and you notice it, ensure a health professional notes it down.

These spots usually fade but can take months or even years!

I've been practising my drawings and had to update this post from last year as the old one looked a bit like a partially seasoned chicken 😆

Myself and all of my children have had them. Have you ever noticed any?