Cutaneous melanoma has increased in incidence progressively in white-skinned populations since the beginning of the 20th century. Genetic factors play a significant role in determining melanoma risk. A recent meta-analysis explored whether pregnancy is a risk factor for melanoma. The majority of melanomas in all age ranges and both sexes are of the sub-type known as a superficial spreading melanoma. As most melanomas are superficial spreading melanomas, the lesions are usually irregular in shape and colour, often with three or more colours. Women with many atypical naevi, particularly those who have a family or personal history of melanoma, should probably receive enhanced supervision during pregnancy. The prognosis for people with vertical growth phase melanoma is determined by the nature of the primary tumour. The management of primary melanoma in pregnancy is normally the same as in those who are not pregnant, namely excision of the tumour under local anaesthesia.