What Is Linea Nigra?

Linea nigra is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy line.” Pregnancy leads to many changes in your body — and developing a dark line down your belly is common and normal. It will start to fade after your pregnancy.

Why does linea nigra happen? 

There are many areas of the body that can darken during pregnancy (hyperpigmentation). For example, nipples and the areola darken. Some people may get darkening of their skin (melasma). 

Most people will have some skin changes during pregnancy. And up to 90% of pregnant women may get a linea nigra.

The cause of hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is related to an increase in melanin in skin cells. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased estrogen levels can cause an increase in melanin.

Some people may be more likely to develop skin changes in pregnancy. Some factors that may contribute include:

• Genetics

• Sun exposure

• Other medical conditions (such as thyroid conditions)

• Medication side effects 

Is linea nigra serious?

No, having linea nigra is not dangerous or a sign of any problem. It’s normal and common to develop linea nigra during healthy pregnancies, and it usually fades after the pregnancy is over.

When does linea nigra start during pregnancy?

Most people will begin to notice a dark line forming in the second trimester. They may also notice darkening of other areas such as the nipples, areola, and skin on the face. 

Linea nigra often starts at your belly button and down to your pubic bone. It may also go up above your belly button toward your chest. 

When will linea nigra go away?

Linea nigra will start to resolve and lighten after pregnancy, and generally resolves within several months to a year after birth. For some people, some darkening may persist longer.

Can you have linea nigra when you’re not pregnant?

Linea nigra happens when there’s a shift in hormones, including rising estrogen levels. This leads to increased melanin and darkening of the skin. While this most often occurs during pregnancy, it can happen with other hormonal changes such as with the use of birth control pills or with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Linea nigra can also occur in healthy babies and children. It can also happen in men, particularly those with prostate disease such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer.

Can my linea nigra help predict the sex of my baby?

No, while some folktales claim that linea nigra can predict the sex of a baby, there’s no scientific evidence supporting this. 

How do I treat linea nigra?

Linea nigra doesn’t need treatment, and it will slowly fade after birth. If it bothers you or persists, there may be some treatments that can help it go away faster.

Can skin care products help with linea nigra?

Using sunscreen and protecting your skin from sun exposure are the best ways to help linea nigra resolve. Some may turn to bleaching creams, but these have risks and toxicities. Plus, they aren’t safe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to review any topical creams or medications with your healthcare provider.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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