Linea Nigra: Pregnancy Line

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pregnancy-line-nigra-Pregnant-stomach-stretch-mark-belly-button | American Pregnancy Association American Pregnancy Association Linea Nigra: Pregnancy Line

The Pregnancy Line, officially called Linea Nigra, is the dark line that develops across your belly during pregnancy.  It is possible that the line may have previously been there, however, because it was so light in color in went unnoticed. Prior to line prior to pregnancy is light or pale line is called the linea alba (white line).  It runs from your navel to the pubic bone.  It darkens during pregnancy acquiring the name linea nigra (black line).

The pregnancy line is never really black, however, it is brownish and darker in color.  It is usually about ¼ to ½ inch wide and stretches vertically down your belly from the pubis to the umbilicus. The pregnancy line or linea nigra usually grows darker as your pregnancy develops. Although it can show earlier, this pregnancy line typically shows up around the 5th month of pregnancy.

What Causes the Linea Nigra or Pregnancy Line?

The pregnancy line is a natural part of pregnancy. The specific cause of the linea nigra is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the changing hormones or the imbalance of hormones as a result of your developing baby. One theory is that the melanocyte-stimulating hormone created by the placenta is the main contributing factor.  This hormone is also believed to cause the darkening around the nipples.

What can you do to prevent the pregnancy line?

There is nothing you can do to prevent the pregnancy line. It is a natural part of pregnancy. The good news is that it usually lessens and fades away shortly after the birth of your baby.

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Compiled from the following resources: Johnson, Robert V. (Ed.). (1994). Mayo Clinic complete book of pregnancy & baby’s first year. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company, Inc. Cunningham, F. Gary, Leveno, Kenneth J., et al (2005). Maternal Physiology in Williams Obstetrics 22nd edition (126). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

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Leg Cramps During PregnancyPregnancy Health and Wellness

Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

Nearly half of all pregnant women suffer from leg cramps – those painful  involuntary muscle spasms that strike your calf, foot or both.  It is not uncommon to experience pregnancy leg cramps particularly in the second and third trimesters.

What Causes Leg Cramps During Pregnancy?

While it isn’t clear exactly what causes these muscle spasms, leg cramps may be caused by pregnancy weight gain  and changes in your circulation. Pressure from the growing baby may pitch the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs.How to avoid and treat pregnancy leg cramps  

  • Exercise regularly, and include a stretching routine. For a simple calf stretch – stand at arm’s length from a wall, place your hands on the wall in front of you and move your right foot behind your left foot with toes facing the wall. Slowly bend your left leg forward, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the floor. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, being careful to keep your back straight and your hips forward. Breath deeply through the stretch. Repeat with the other leg.
  • When spasms hit, gently perform the stretch on the affected side and then rest with your legs elevated. A warm bath, ice massage or muscle massage may help too.
  • Drink lots of water. Your urine will be clear or light yellow when you’re adequately hydrated.
  • Wear support socks or stockings that provide some compression on your calves.
  • Increase the calcium and magnesium in your diet by eating food such as whole grains, beans, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.  

Contact your health care provider if your leg cramps are severe or persistent. Your health care provider may prescribe additional supplements or medication.

Want to Know More?

  • Treating Muscle Cramps Naturally During Pregnancy
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Compiled using information from the following sources:Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W., M.D., et al, Part 3.March of Dimes, https://www.marchofdimes.orgDanforth’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Ninth Ed. Scott, James R., et al, Ch. 1.

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