Linea Nigra: When The Pregnant Belly Line Appears And Why

You might first notice it while getting dressed or snapping a bump pic: a dark line running down your belly that wasn't there before. That's the linea nigra – and it's totally normal. 

This pregnancy skin change is super common, mildly mysterious, and nothing to stress about. Here's the lowdown on what it is, why it shows up, and when it usually fades.

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Key Takeaways

• The linea nigra is a dark line that can show up on your belly during pregnancy – it's super common and totally normal.
• It's caused by pregnancy hormones triggering more melanin production in your skin, but why it shows up where it does is still a bit of a mystery.
• It usually appears by mid-pregnancy and fades on its own after birth – no treatment needed.
• You can't prevent linea nigra, but daily sunscreen, gentle skincare, and avoiding waxing may help minimize pigment changes.

What is the linea nigra?

The linea nigra is a dark, vertical line on your belly that appears during pregnancy. Latin for "black line," the linea nigra usually extends from your belly button down to your pubic area, though it can also extend upward from your belly button. 

Linea nigra is very common – up to 80% of pregnant women have it. But it's a little less common or noticeable in women with light skin. The linea nigra can also appear on newborn babies.

Why does the linea nigra appear?

Like with many other pregnancy symptoms, you can thank your changing hormones for the linea nigra. Estrogen and melanocyte-stimulating hormones kick into high gear during pregnancy, telling your skin's pigment-producing cells (called melanocytes) to make more melanin. That's the stuff that gives your skin its color. 

Why do some areas darken more than others? Honestly, experts still aren't totally sure. It's one of the many fun mysteries of pregnancy.

The linea nigra is just one of the ways that your skin can change during pregnancy. You may develop darker patches on your face called melasma (aka the "mask of pregnancy"). 

Often, other pigmented areas of skin get darker. You may notice this on your areolas (the area around the nipples); your labia majora (the folds of skin around the vagina); and where your skin creases, such as by your armpits and where your legs meet your torso.

When does the linea nigra appear?

Linea nigra is usually noticeable by the middle of pregnancy, around 20 weeks. 

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"Mine was one of my first body changes," shares BabyCenter Community member TreasuresMum. "As soon as my boobs started getting bigger, at like 9 weeks, my linea nigra showed up … DARK! I was like, 'Oh wow, what a clear sign of pregnancy.' I actually admire mine." 

It's different for every pregnancy. Community member Em4389 says: "With my first pregnancy, I didn't get the line until I was around 30 weeks. Some women don't get it at all. So far, I haven't had it, and I may not get it this time. You just never know."

But this line on your belly was always there – it just wasn't visible. That line is called the linea alba (Latin for "white line"). When it darkens, the linea alba becomes the linea nigra.

Can I avoid getting a pregnancy line on my stomach?

No, since it's connected to hormone levels, the pregnancy line isn't something you can avoid. But you can take steps to minimize melasma, and these may help minimize the linea nigra, as well:

• Use sun protection. Sun exposure can make pigment changes like the linea nigra more noticeable. That's why it's smart to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (look for one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher every day – yes, even when it's cloudy.
• Don't wax. Using wax to remove hair can cause skin inflammation that worsens melasma, especially in areas of your body that are affected by pigmentation changes.
• Use hypoallergenic skincare products. Cleansers and face creams that irritate your skin may make melasma worse.

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(By the way, you can find more daily tips like these in the BabyCenter appOpens a new window, tailored to exactly where you are in pregnancy.)

When will the linea nigra go away?

After your pregnancy, the linea nigra should fade over a few weeks to months, though it may not disappear entirely.

If you still have a pregnancy line months later and want to treat it, skin whitening products might be an option (they're not recommended during pregnancy). As always, check with your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter products if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Most likely, the linea nigra will disappear after birth without you having to do anything, or even think about it.

Will I have a linea nigra in every pregnancy?

If you had a linea nigra in your first pregnancy, you'll likely have it again in later pregnancies – but not always. It can appear sooner or later, look fainter or darker, or not appear at all. 

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Experts don't understand the reasons why it varies from one pregnancy to the next. Like pregnancy, the linea nigra can be unpredictable!