What is this dark line on my belly?
This page may contain affiliate links.
Pregnancy Changes – The dark line
During pregnancy, you are going to experience many changes. Your straight hair turns curly, you’re craving pickles (which use to make you gag), you’re burping, sweating – all of which is just a part of being pregnant. So when you look in the mirror to admire your bump and you see a dark line on your belly, you may not even bat an eye.
That new dark line that goes from your pubic bone all the way up to your belly button is called the linea nigra, sometimes simply called the pregnancy line. It normally makes its appearance after your first trimester (thanks to all the hormones). Even though it’s not the most welcomed physical pregnancy change, it will eventually go away (phew)! You can expect it to start disappearing around nine to twelve months postpartum.
About 75% of women notice it at some point, although not every mama will experience it, it is very common and nothing to worry about. When your estrogen levels go up so does the melanin production, causing that line to become noticeable.
There isn’t anything you can do to prevent or get rid of this new “accessory” on your bump. It may not seem like it should be a big deal but with all of the other changes pregnancy throws at you, it can be a hard pill to swallow. Try not to let it get you down, your body is working so hard to nurture the life growing inside of you! Just like the stretch marks, the skin tags, and random hairs you are all of the sudden growing – your linea nigra line is another sign that your pregnancy is going according to plan. Love your body and all the weird changes, they won’t last forever.
Tags: baby belly, baby bump, belly line, linea nigra, pregnancy, pregnancy hormones, pregnancy line