The dark line or 'linea nigra," is fairly common among pregnant women. According to Fit Pregnancy , nearly 75 percent of women will see the dark line appear down their belly during their pregnancy. But what you may not have known about the line that can cause some pregnant women so much anxiety is that it is often on your belly before you even think about taking a pregnancy test.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, prior to pregnancy, the line is white and referred to as the linea alba. Because it is so light, it often goes unnoticed. If you have any scars, they might become more noticeable. Freckles and birthmarks may become more obvious, too. These color changes happen because of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which your body produces in larger amounts to help your baby develop.
Estrogen and progesterone stimulate cells called melanocytes in your skin, causing them to produce more melanin, the pigment that tans and darkens your skin. Increased melanin production is what makes your skin change color during pregnancy. At some point during your second trimester, you may notice a dark brown line running down the middle of your abdomen, between your belly button and pubic area. This line is called the linea alba.
When melanin production increases during pregnancy, the line gets darker and more obvious. Soon after your baby is born, the linea nigra should start to fade. In some women, though, it may never completely disappear. And if you get pregnant again, expect to see that line reappear.
Linea Nigra: Pregnancy Line. What can you do to prevent the pregnancy line? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Last reviewed June Tunzi, M and Gray, G. Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.
American Family Physician. January Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. October Pregnancy and skin. Journal of Family Medical Primary Care. Deepi Brar is a longtime health and science editor who has worked with BabyCenter, CVS Pharmacy, Rally Health, and other health teams to produce engaging, accurate content for everyone.
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