When you adopt a Vietnamese child there are some medical issues to be aware of. The one that I want to discuss today is certainly not a medical problem, just something that not all prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) may be familiar with.

Mongolian spots are flat birthmarks that range in color from grayish blue to dark tones of brown and black; and often resemble a bruise. They are extremely common among Asians as well as Africans, Native Americans, Latinos and East Indians. Some Americans have never seen a mongolian spot and have been known to confuse them with a bruise, so it is a good idea that you familiarize yourself with them before meeting your child.

Most mongolian spots appear right at the base of the spine, which is what leads uneducated people to fear that a child is being abused due to the marks. To protect yourself and your family, have your pediatrician document any pigmented areas that your child may have. During our exit medical exam in Viet Nam our physician documented Ella’s, so we have it on record from just about the time we adopted her. I hadn’t thought to take photos, but that would be a good idea to keep them in your child’s medical file as well. It's also a good idea to tell anyone who may see your child's birthmark about mongolian spots (daycare providers, family or friends who may do a diaper change, etc.) The last thing any of need is to have someone mistake a completely normal birthmark for a bruise.

Mongolian spots are completely harmless, benign and contain no cause for worry. They occur naturally and are likely to fade as your child ages. Although they normally occur at the base of the spine, they can also be found on the buttocks, shoulders or flanks. Regardless of the severity of your child’s mongolian spot(s), or where they are on their body, there is no need for concern. They are 100% normal and they only think you need to do about them is be sure that they are documented in your child’s medical records and be sure to tell anyone who may see them that they are normal, harmless and occur in most Asian people.

Here are two websites that have clear pictures of what mongolian spots look like:
e medicine (scroll down)
Families with Children from China

More Reading:

The Mongolian Spot - My Commentary (from Korea Adoption Blog)
Warning to Adoptive Parents of Transracial Families


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