What is linea nigra during pregnancy

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. That may help the line fade more quickly. If the line really bothers you during pregnancy, try concealing the line with makeup until it fades. Be sure to wear sunscreen whenever you expose your belly and other areas of your skin to the sun.

Sun exposure can make the line even darker. It may be a slight shade of brown or a darker pigment to almost black in colour. You will likely start to notice it from during the second weeks 13 — 26 and third 27 — 40 weeks trimester. In the same vein, dark lines may also appear around your belly button, areolas and vagina too, but they should all disappear nine to 12 months after birth. The reason the linea nigra develops is all down to hormones. For example, a woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant.

Women develop a linea nigra because of an increase in the melanocyte stimulating hormone which causes skin cells to darken. This is specifically down to high levels of oestrogen, which has a direct effect on the melanocyte stimulating hormone which is manufactured by the placenta.

Darkening of the skin can happen to pregnant woman due to stimulation of pigment-producing cells by female sex hormones so that they produce more melanin pigments. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Fatigue During Pregnancy. Hyperemesis Gravidarum During Pregnancy. Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy. How to Soothe an Itchy Belly. View Sources. Your Health. Pregnancy Groups. Third Trimester.

Updated October 08, Save Pin FB More. Linea Nigra. Emma Darvick. Credit: Emma Darvick. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment.