Pregnancy Line – Linea Nigra
The pregnancy line,
more formally called Linea Nigra, is a dark line that appears on the abdomen
during pregnancy. Perhaps the line was there before because it was so light
that it went unnoticed. In front of the pre-pregnancy line is a light or pale
line called linea alba (white line). It goes from the navel to the pubic bone.
Darkens during pregnancy, acquiring the name linea nigra.
The gestation line is
never truly black, however it is brownish in color and darker. It is usually 0.5
to1 cm wide and runs vertically down the abdomen from the pubis to the navel.
The pregnancy line or black line usually darkens as the pregnancy progresses.
Although it may appear earlier, this pregnancy line usually appears around the
5th month of pregnancy.
What causes the pregnancy line or linea nigra?
The pregnancy line is
a natural part of pregnancy. The specific cause of the black line is not known,
but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes or hormone imbalances as a
result of your child's development. One theory is that melanocyte-stimulating
hormone produced by the placenta is the main contributing factor. This hormone
is also believed to cause darkening around the nipples.
What can you do to prevent a pregnancy line?
There is nothing you can do to prevent a pregnancy line. This is a natural part of pregnancy. The good news is that it usually decreases and disappears shortly after the baby is born.