Noticed a dark vertical line between your belly button and pubic area during pregnancy? That's your linea nigra, and it was actually always there — it just gets a bit darker when you're expecting.[1]
When does the linea nigra show up?
The line down the middle of your growing belly tends to get a little darker by the second trimester (sometimes around week 23 of pregnancy).
What causes the linea nigra to appear during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones are what make the linea nigra (Latin for "black line") appear more pronounced.[2] When you're expecting, your linea alba — the faint line you'd probably never noticed that runs between your belly button and your pelvis — darkens.
In fact, the skin all over your body becomes hyperpigmented, or darkened, during pregnancy. (You might also notice the skin on your face darkening, too — known as melasma, or the "mask of pregnancy" — as well as newly darker areolas.) The linea nigra is likely more pronounced if you have darker skin.
As for why the line often darkens as your belly grows? Chalk it up to evolution. Some experts theorize that a more visible linea negra helps newborns, who can’t yet see very clearly, find their way to the breast to nurse.
A fun old wives' tale (which is not, of course, backed by science): If the linea nigra runs only up to your navel, you're having a girl, but if it runs past your belly button near your ribs, it's a boy.
What you can do about the linea nigra during pregnancy
A couple of quick tips can help make the linea nigra less pronounced, if its appearance bothers you:
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Cover up
Spending too much time working on your tan can intensify skin discoloration during pregnancy, and it's not good for your skin anyway. Use sunscreen (at least SPF 30), and try to keep your tummy covered up as much as possible.
Eat well
A folic acid deficiency can be related to hyperpigmentation, so make sure you're eating a healthy pregnancy diet with plenty of folate from green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and be sure to take your prenatal vitamin.
Can I prevent the linea nigra from appearing during pregnancy?
The best way to prevent or minimize the appearance of the linea nigra is to avoid exposing your skin to the sun. So wear clothing over as much of your body as possible, and slather any skin that is exposed in sunscreen.
When does the linea nigra go away?
The linea nigra should gradually fade all on its own a few months after your baby is born. In the meantime, try to embrace it as just one more thing that makes your growing bump beautiful.
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