The dark straight line on a pregnant woman’s stomach is called the linea nigra. It is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes in the body....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The linea nigra appears as a vertical line that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone. It is usually about half an inch wide and can be light or dark in color. According to Healthline, the color of the linea nigra can vary from light brown to dark brown or even black…CONTINUE READING>>
The exact cause of the linea nigra is not known, but it is believed to be related to the increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy. Specifically, it is thought to be caused by the hormone melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which is produced by the placenta.
MSH stimulates the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. During pregnancy, the body produces more MSH, which leads to an increase in melanin production. This results in the darkening of the skin, including the appearance of the linea nigra.
The linea nigra usually appears around the second trimester of pregnancy and may become more noticeable as the pregnancy progresses. It is more common in women with darker skin tones and may be less noticeable in women with lighter skin tones.
While the linea nigra is a normal part of pregnancy, some women may be self-conscious about its appearance. However, there is no need to worry as it will fade away on its own after delivery. In some cases, it may take a few weeks or months for the line to disappear completely.
There is no way to prevent the appearance of the linea nigra, but it can be minimized by avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen when outdoors. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated during pregnancy to support overall skin health…CONTINUE READING>>
