Pregnancy line on belly: What is Linea Nigra and When Does It Occur?
Linea nigra: The onset and cause of the pregnant belly line
Don't be alarmed if you notice a dark line on your tummy when pregnant. It's known as the linea nigra, and it will probably go away quickly after giving birth.
The linea nigra: what is it?
During pregnancy, a dark, vertical line on your abdomen is called the linea nigra. The linea nigra, which translates to "black line," typically runs from your belly button to your pelvic region. It also extends upward from the abdominal button in certain women. Though it's a little less prevalent or obvious in women with pale complexion, most pregnant women will acquire one. Newborns may also exhibit the linea nigra.
The linea nigra appears for what reason?
Higher than normal hormone levels during pregnancy are linked to the formation of the linea nigra. The pigment that gives your skin its color, melanin, is found in cells that are influenced by estrogen and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The reason these cells, known as melanocytes, look darker in some bodily areas than others is not fully understood.
Pregnancy can cause changes to the skin, including the linea nigra. The darker areas on the face that some women get are known as melasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." Other skin spots with pigmentation frequently become darker. This can be seen on your labia majora (the folds of skin surrounding the vagina), areolas (the area surrounding the nipples), and skin creases like those by your armpits and where your legs meet your torso.
The linea nigra appears when?
By the middle of pregnancy, a visible linea nigra normally emerges as hormone levels rise. Although it appeared invisible, this line on your stomach was actually always there. We refer to that line as the linea alba, or white line. The linea alba turns into the linea nigra as it darkens.
Is it possible to prevent a pregnancy line from appearing on my stomach?
No, you cannot prevent the pregnancy line because it is linked to hormone levels. However, there are things you may do to lessen melasma, and doing so might also lessen the linea nigra:
- Wear sunscreen. Pigment alterations are accelerated by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even in overcast weather, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (a product that blocks UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or more every day. If you're outside during the day, reapply frequently. Even if you have dark complexion, this is true. Dark skin doesn't sunburn as quickly as lighter skin because it has more melanin (pigment), but it's still insufficient to shield you from dangerous UV rays.
- Avoid waxing. Hair removal with wax can aggravate melasma by causing skin inflammation, particularly in regions of the body where pigmentation changes are present.
- Use skin care products that are hypoallergenic. Skin-irritating cleansers and face moisturizers can exacerbate melasma.
How long before the linea nigra disappears?
The linea nigra should go away over the course of a few weeks to months after giving birth, though some women may not completely lose it.
Although they are not advised during pregnancy, skin-whitening creams may be an option if, months later, you still wish to address your pregnancy line. As always, if you're pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications.
After birth, the linea nigra will probably go away on its own without your intervention or even conscious thought.
Will every pregnancy result in a linea nigra for me?
Although it's not always the case, if you have a linea nigra during your first pregnancy, you'll probably see it again in subsequent pregnancies. It may show up sooner or later, appear darker or fainter, or not show up at all. The reasons why it differs from pregnancy to pregnancy are unknown to experts. The linea nigra can be erratic, just like pregnancy!
