Dark stomach during pregnancy

Linea Nigra: Should I Be Worried?

Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Stephanie Watson on February 21, 2019

Overview

Pregnancy can do weird and wonderful things to your body. Your breasts and belly enlarge, your blood flow increases, and you begin to feel movements from deep inside.

Around the middle of your pregnancy, you may notice another unusual change: a dark line running down the front of your abdomen. It’s called the linea nigra, and it’s no cause for alarm.

What causes linea nigra?

Your skin, like the rest of your body, goes through some changes during pregnancy. It stretches to accommodate your growing belly and breasts, and it may change color.

Most pregnant women notice darker patches of skin on their face, especially women who already have dark hair or skin. These patches of skin are called the “mask of pregnancy.”

You may also notice other areas of your body getting darker, like your nipples. 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. You’ve always had it, but before your pregnancy it was too light to see.

When melanin production increases during pregnancy, the line gets darker and more obvious. Then it’s called the linea nigra.

Pictures

What should I do about linea nigra?

Linea nigra isn’t harmful to you or your baby, so you don’t need medical treatment.

Some people believe that the linea nigra could send a signal about your baby’s gender. They say that if it runs to your belly button, you’re having a girl, and if it keeps going all the way to your ribs you’re due for a boy. But there isn’t any science behind the theory.

What happens to linea nigra after pregnancy?

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.

If the line doesn’t go away after pregnancy and its appearance bothers you, ask your dermatologist about using a skin bleaching cream. That may help the line fade more quickly.

Don’t use a bleaching cream during your pregnancy or while you’re breastfeeding, because it can be harmful to your baby.

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.

Takeaway

Linea nigra happens during pregnancy because your hormones trigger color changes in your skin. It’s not something to be worried about and usually fades after you give birth.

Last medically reviewed on February 22, 2019

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Health

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

George AO, et al. (2005). The incidence of lower mid-trunk hyperpigmentation (linea nigra) is affected by sex hormone levels [Abstract].
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15926645
Massinde A, et al. (2011). Extensive hyperpigmentation during pregnancy: A case report. DOI:
10.1186/1752-1947-5-464
Pregnancy line – linea nigra. (n.d.).
americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-concerns/pregnancy-line-linea-nigra/
Skin changes during pregnancy. (2015).
americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/
Vora RV, et al. (2014). Pregnancy and skin. DOI:
10.4103/2249-4863.148099

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Stephanie Watson on February 21, 2019

Skin darkening during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma)

Pregnancy
Your Body

By Eva Dasher

September 25, 2020

It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery.

Photo credit: Thinkstock

Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy?
What causes melasma?
Is my linea nigra related to melasma?
How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy?
Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy?
Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness?

Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy?

Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask.

You may also develop dark patches on your cheeks, along your jawline, or on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. What's more, skin that's already more pigmented – such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitals – may become even darker during pregnancy. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs.

What causes melasma?

Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes.

Sun exposure plays a role too. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin.

You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family.

Is my linea nigra related to melasma?

The same increased production of melanin that causes the facial splotches of melasma also causes the linea nigra, or dark line that you may notice running down your belly.

The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear.

How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy?

All changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery, but you can do a few things to safely minimize darkened spots on your skin during pregnancy:

Use sun protection. This is crucial because exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays triggers melasma and intensifies pigment changes. Use a broad-spectrum sunblock (a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's not sunny, and reapply often during the day if you're outside. This is true even if you have dark skin. Although dark skin has more melanin (pigment) than lighter skin and doesn't sunburn as quickly, it's not enough to protect you from harmful UV radiation.
Even if you don't plan to leave the house or spend much time outside, it's a good idea to apply sun protection as part of your morning routine. The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that your skin is exposed to a significant amount of UV light whenever you walk down the street, ride in a car, or even sit inside near a window.
When you're outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as a long-sleeved shirt if you have pigmentation changes on your arms. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And definitely avoid tanning salons.
Don't wax. Using wax to remove hair can cause skin inflammation that worsens melasma, especially in areas of your body that are affected by pigmentation changes.
Use hypoallergenic skin care products. Cleansers and face creams that irritate your skin may make melasma worse.
Apply concealer. If the darkened spots bother you, cover them up by using makeup for now. Concealer with white and yellow undertones often helps, but consult the makeup salespeople at your local store to find the right product for your skin type. You can also seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist. Don't use skin-bleaching products while you're pregnant, and talk to your doctor before starting them if you are breastfeeding.

Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy?

Melasma usually fades without treatment after you have your baby. The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear.

For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option.

If your skin is still blotchy a few months after giving birth and it's bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about treatment options for melasma. She may suggest using a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone (and possibly sunscreen), a topical medication that contains tretinoin (Retin-A), or a chemical peel such as azelaic acid.

If you're breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant again soon, let your provider know and check with her before using any over-the-counter treatments.

Don't expect instant results – it may take many months to see improvement. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option.

In any case, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen every day, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours.

Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness?

Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems.

Call your provider if you have changes in skin pigmentation as well as pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.

You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy.

Learn more:

Acne during pregnancy
Hair and nail changes during pregnancy
Varicose veins during pregnancy

Sources

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

AAD. Undated. Melasma. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020]

UpToDate. 2019. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-skin-hair-nails-and-mucous-membranes-during-pregnancy [Accessed September 2020]

UpToDate. 2020. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]

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Why do women get a dark line on their belly during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers notice that over time a dark vertical line appears on their stomach.

Some are so worried that they begin to get rid of it by any means, fearing that it will harm their health.

A dark vertical stripe on the abdomen (from Latin Linea nigra ) is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. This brownish line, usually about a centimeter wide, runs from the pubis to the navel, but sometimes it extends to the very top of the abdomen. nine0003

This vertical streak appears in most pregnant women and becomes fully visible around the 23rd week of pregnancy.

Why does a streak form?

Skin color often changes during pregnancy, dark spots may appear in different parts of the skin. Like other changes, the appearance of a strip on the abdomen is caused by an increase in hormone levels during the second and third trimester. It gradually gets darker.

By the way, there is another stripe, but white or a white line of the abdomen ( linea alba ), which stretches from the navel to the pubis and is present in all people.

However, the brown streak only occurs during pregnancy.

The appearance of a dark line during pregnancy is due to an increase in hormones that affect melanocyte cells, which ultimately leads to the production of more melanin, the pigment on which our skin color depends, that is, this pigment is to blame for everything.

It also causes age spots on the body, darkens the nipples, the skin in the perineum. nine0003

When does the dark line appear?

Most pregnant women notice a dark line between the first and second trimesters. And for expectant mothers who are expecting twins or triplets, the strip becomes visible already in the middle of the first trimester.

However, not all pregnant women develop this line. Studies have shown that this phenomenon is characteristic of 75% of expectant mothers.

When will the dark line disappear?

Dark lines on the abdomen disappear gradually after a few weeks after childbirth. If a woman is breastfeeding, then the strip will last for several months. In general, it takes time for the dark pigment melanin to stop accumulating in the cells. nine0003

Can the strip be dangerous for mother or baby?

This pigment line cannot pose any danger to the child. The fetus is completely protected from external influences. The only problem is that the streak is more pronounced in women with dark skin. This is usually caused by hyperpigmentation. But there is nothing to worry about here either. She, though slowly, but also disappears after childbirth.

Is it possible to predict the gender of the unborn child using the strip?

There is an old saying that if a woman has a brownish line passing through the center of the navel, then she will have a girl, and if the line passes by the navel, as if rushing around the navel, then there will be a boy. However, there are no scientific theories or studies to support this. nine0003

How to remove a dark line during pregnancy?

The appearance of a stripe is a natural process, and there is no way you can get rid of it completely. However, you can follow some rules so that the skin does not darken even more.

Always wear closed clothing that protects the skin from direct sunlight.
Use a sunscreen with an UV protection index of at least SPF-30 to protect the skin from direct sunlight, for the face it is better to use creams with a maximum SPF-50. Do not sunbathe in the open sun. nine0052
Include foods rich in folic acid in your diet: orange juice, spinach, wheat, beans, drink enough liquid up to 2 liters per day, try to moisturize your skin with special creams.

There is absolutely no need to lighten this area, especially at home, otherwise it can lead to skin burns.

If age spots appear on the face, it is worth contacting a dermatologist who will advise what to do in this case so as not to harm yourself and the baby in the womb in the first place. nine0003

Remember that there is nothing wrong with the appearance of linea nigra on the stomach. The main thing is to make sure you eat and rest properly, and the line will disappear on its own in a few months after the baby is born.

Make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist

For more details, consult a qualified specialist at the Semeynaya clinic.

To find out prices for an obstetrician-gynecologist or other questions, follow the link below:

Why does a dark line appear on the abdomen during pregnancy? nine0001

The changes in the body during pregnancy are truly amazing. While waiting for a child with the body of a woman, such metamorphoses occur that are almost impossible to explain. One of them is pigmentation - and, as its manifestation, a dark line that appears in most pregnant women literally overnight.

Irina Ivashkova

pexels.com

Dark stripe on the abdomen during pregnancy: what is it?

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment. nine0003

The pregnancy line or black line (from the Latin linia nigra) is a longitudinal strip on the abdomen (most often from the navel to the pubis, less often running vertically across the entire abdomen) several tones darker than the natural skin tone.

She appears at about the fourth month of pregnancy. And for expectant mothers who are expecting twins or triplets, the strip becomes visible already in the middle of the first trimester. The irony of nature is that the pigmented strip appears along the white line of the abdomen - the fibrous structure of the anterior abdominal wall, which is located along the median line in humans and other vertebrates. The color of the white line is due to the fact that it is formed mainly by connective tissue collagen. nine0003

Why does the dark bar appear?

Studies have shown that the dark line appears in 75% of expectant mothers. The fact is that during pregnancy, the level of melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases, which is responsible for pigmentation and changes in skin color. The stripe is more pronounced in women with swarthy skin. This is usually caused by hyperpigmentation. But there is nothing to worry about. She, though slowly, will also disappear after childbirth. The line of pregnancy does not carry and does not perform any function. Once the pregnancy ends, it gradually disappears without requiring any intervention. If a woman is breastfeeding, then the strip will last for several months. nine0003

Fortune telling along the dark strip

One old sign says: if a woman's pregnancy line passes through the center of the navel, then she will have a girl, and if the line passes around the navel, then there will be a boy. However, there are no scientific theories or studies to support this.

Can this stripe be bleached?

The appearance of a strip is a natural process, and if you are one of the 75% of women who are destined to have it, you just have to accept it - you will not be able to get rid of it completely and completely. But you can follow some rules so that the skin does not darken even more. nine0003