Linea Nigra

The linea nigra (LIN-ee-uh NY-gra) is a dark, vertical line on the skin of your stomach during pregnancy. It's also called the pregnancy line. It runs from your belly button down to your pubic area but can also run up past your belly button toward your chest. The linea nigra can get darker as your pregnancy develops. It’s usually more visible if you have a darker complexion. Linea nigra is Latin for "black line." Having one doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your pregnancy or your skin. It’s a normal part of pregnancy.

When does a linea nigra appear during pregnancy?

You always have a linea nigra, but it's almost invisible until your hormones rise during pregnancy. You can usually see it around 20 weeks when it gets dark. Before you're pregnant, the line is called a linea alba or "white line." This is the connective tissue that holds your abdominal muscles together. During pregnancy, it darkens and is called a linea nigra.

How long does it last after pregnancy?

The linea nigra will fade after pregnancy when your hormones return to regular levels. The fading is gradual over several weeks or months. In some cases, it doesn't entirely disappear or takes longer to go away.

Do you get it every pregnancy?

Yes, it usually appears each pregnancy. It may look different each time (darker or lighter than before), or appear earlier or later than before. Some people feel like it takes longer to go away with each pregnancy, but that hasn't been proven.

What does it mean if you don't have a linea nigra?

Everyone has a linea alba. But not everyone’s skin changes color to create a linea nigra during pregnancy. It may be more or less noticeable depending on your skin color. Those with darker complexions tend to have a more pronounced linea nigra compared to those with fair complexions. This is because people with darker skin have more pigmentation than those with light skin.

What causes the linea nigra?

The linea nigra appears naturally during pregnancy because of the higher levels of hormones in your body. The exact cause isn't known, but most healthcare providers think that hormones created by the placenta cause melanin to rise during pregnancy. This increase in melanin causes your skin to darken during pregnancy.

What does it look like?

The linea nigra is about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide and stretches from your pubic bone to your belly button. In some cases, it extends past your belly button toward your breasts. It's darker than your skin color and can appear brown or light black. Your linea nigra stays a consistent width from the top to the bottom.

Is the linea nigra a sign of any health condition?

No. It's a completely normal part of being pregnant.

Why do I have one when I'm not pregnant?

A linea nigra can appear in children and people who aren’t pregnant. Healthcare providers aren't entirely sure why. But they believe it’s connected to hormones. Certain medications, underlying health conditions or sun exposure could cause your linea alba to get darker.