The dark brown line of linea nigra typically extends above and below the belly button.
The dark brown line of linea nigra typically extends above and below the belly button.
Linea nigra is typically seen in pregnant women as a sharp vertical, flat, dark line in the middle of the stomach.
Linea nigra is typically seen in pregnant women as a sharp vertical, flat, dark line in the middle of the stomach.

Images of Linea Nigra (2)

The dark brown line of linea nigra typically extends above and below the belly button.
Linea nigra is typically seen in pregnant women as a sharp vertical, flat, dark line in the middle of the stomach.

Linea Nigra

Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the midline of the belly during pregnancy. It can extend from the top of the belly to the pubic area, running through the center of the belly button, or the line can be shorter. Increased hormones present during pregnancy stimulate increased pigment production, causing this area to darken. After the baby is born, linea nigra typically fades. In darker skin colors, this may take up to a year after pregnancy.

Who's At Risk?

Linea nigra tends to appear some time in the second trimester of pregnancy. It is more prominent in those with darker skin colors. It also occurs in individuals with lighter skin colors, although it may not be as noticeable.

Signs & Symptoms

The line of linea nigra is darker than the surrounding skin and a few millimeters to up to a centimeter in width. It can be quite dark or fairly light in color.

Self-Care Guidelines

No treatment is needed for linea nigra. The line should slowly fade after the baby is born. However, sun exposure can cause it to become darker or take longer to go away, so use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher or keep your belly covered.

Treatments

Your medical professional will continue routine prenatal care.

Visit Urgency

No medical care is needed to treat linea nigra. Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and otherwise follow routine prenatal care guidelines.

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Last modified on May 24th, 2023 at 11:19 am

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