Linea Nigra is one of the signs of pregnancy that appears after a while in pregnancy. Pregnancy is the most amazing stage in every woman’s life. However, many changes in a woman’s body occur during pregnancy, and some changes are attractive. Linea Nigra is one of these changes, a vertical brown line that forms on a pregnant women’s abdomen that runs from the navel to the pubic area.
What is Linea Nigra?
Everyone has a band vertically on their abdomen called linea alba. It isn’t easy to see this bar because of its white color. During pregnancy, due to estrogen secretion, more melanin hormone also increases, and the white line in the middle of the abdomen changes to brown. At this time, it is called Linea Nigra.
Melanin is a pigment that darkens the skin. During pregnancy causes darkening of the color around the nipple (areola), clitoris, and labia. About 75% of women notice this brown line on their abdomen during some periods of pregnancy. The Linea Nigra’s width is generally about 1/4 inch – 1/2 inch and may increase as the abdomen enlarges. Its color, or degree of pigment, varies from woman to woman.
When does Linea Nigra appear?
This line often appears in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. When the abdomen begins to expand, it receives more attention due to the hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body. This line is more pronounced on darker skin and less visible on light skin. The line marks the point where the right abdominal muscle meets the left. This line appears when these muscles separate to accommodate the growing fetus.
Causes
Black seed and other pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation forms due to metabolic, placental hormones, and immune factors. The following can cause a line on the abdomen،These include:
- Increased melanin production is due to estrogen secretion, which is boosted by progesterone.
- Estrogen activates intracellular α- and β-receptors and stimulates melanocytes to increase melanin production.
- Melanin is deposited in the epidermis and is absorbed by skin macrophages.
- The placenta also produces bioactive sphingolipids that regulate melanogenic enzymes.
When does Linea Nigra go away?
The line usually starts to fade shortly after the baby is born and will probably go away in a few months, but if you are breastfeeding the baby, it may take longer because the body is still producing more hormones. As hormones balance, the line fades in most women. If you become pregnant again, Linea Nigra will return.
Can the Linea Nigra be prevented or lightened?
Unfortunately, you can do nothing to prevent the line from forming on your abdomen, but if it bothers you, you can do a few things to cover it up and minimize it.
Follow a healthy diet
Studies show the relationship between folic acid deficiency and skin discoloration. Following a healthy diet in pregnancy high in folic acid can minimize Linea Nigra. Prenatal vitamins should contain some folic acid. You can also get folic acid from leafy vegetables, oranges, bread, and whole grains. Remember that even if you have accepted the pregnancy line, getting folic acid is still very important because it is necessary for the baby’s health and growth.
Avoid the sun
If you are exposed to the sun for a long time during pregnancy, your skin color will change more. Use sunscreen when outdoors, or cover your abdomen with clothing. Also, please do not leave the house during the hours when the ultraviolet rays peak (between 10 am and 4 pm).
Cosmetic makeup
You can apply cosmetic powders to the area where the line is marked to cover the line for a few hours.
Lemon juice
Mix juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray on the abdomen several times daily to help remove the dark pigmented top layer.
Turmeric milk
Turmeric helps protect the skin against UV damage. Make a paste of turmeric and milk, then apply it to the dark part of the skin. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.
Linea Nigra may appear when you are not pregnant
Linea Nigra may also occur in conditions other than pregnancy; these terms include:
- Hormones are a contributing factor: Hormonal changes occur in the body for many reasons, one of which is pregnancy, but in other conditions, hormones change, which eventually changes the color of the skin. A combination of estrogen and progesterone causes melanocytes in the body or cells; they produce more melanin. Melanin is a pigment that causes dullness and discoloration of the skin. By consuming more melanin, your skin becomes darker.
- Medications and environment: Medications and the environment may also play a role in skin discoloration. For people who are not pregnant, birth control pills, certain medications, and some health conditions can change hormone levels. Sun exposure may also increase melanin production. Although the sun’s rays make the skin darker overall, they can make certain parts of your skin even darker, such as linea alba.
What is the Treatment for Linea Nigra?
Some pregnant women are upset that the pregnancy line appears on their abdomen. There is no solution to eliminate this line, and the only way is to use powders and lotions to lighten it. It is best to wait for the duration of the pregnancy and a few months after it until Linea Nigra disappears on its own.
Does Linea Nigra provide specific information?
If you believe the stories of older couples, it is believed that this line can provide information about the sex of the baby. If it extends from the navel down to the pubic bone, you will likely have a daughter, and if this line is from the navel upwards, it will likely be a baby boy. But remember that this is not a scientific issue, and the probability of having a son or a daughter in each pregnancy is 50 percent.
Love your pregnant body
When you get pregnant, and a human begins to grow inside you, it is one of the best feelings you will ever experience. During this period, your body will change in that you may not like; at this time, think that many women wish to be in your place now, so accept the changes in your body and wait for the baby to enter your life. Your appearance changes during this time are temporary and will go away with care.
The bottom line
During pregnancy, the body experiences many changes. One of these changes is the presence of a line on the abdomen called Linea Nigra. This line is common in pregnant women but may occur in men, non-pregnant women, and children. This line’s existence is harmless and is most likely due to hormonal changes and disappears on its own. If this line bothers you, consult your doctor.
Arjang Naim, MD, and the care team provide all the necessary services for women before, during, and after pregnancy to reduce their worries during this period.
Additional questions
- What is Melanin?
Melanin is a substance in the body that produces hair, eye and skin pigments. The more melanin produced, the darker the eyes, hair and skin. The amount of melanin in the body depends on various factors, including genetics and exposure to sunlight in the ancestral population.
- What are the three types of hyperpigmentation?
- Melasma: Melasma is caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy.
- Sunspots: Also called liver spots or solar lentigines
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of skin damage or inflammation.
- What should a healthy areola look like?
The skin texture of the nipple is usually smooth, while the areola may be bumpy and pimple-like. Montgomery’s glands, which are responsible for lubricating the nipple and areola during breastfeeding, are prominent areas on the areola.
4. What are the most critical weeks of pregnancy?
The fetus is most vulnerable in the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all the organs and systems of the body are forming and may be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, radiation, infectious agents, some drugs, tobacco and toxic substances.
5. Which trimester is the highest risk of miscarriage?
80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy.
References
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-the-dark-line-on-my-pregnant-belly-2759751
https://www.huggies.co.in/en-in/pregnancy/getting-pregnant/linea-nigra
https://momlovesbest.com/pregnancy/beauty-care/linea-nigra-appear
https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-line-on-stomach-not-pregnant#takeaway
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/linea-nigra.aspx