WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Linea nigra, a pregnancy symptom

Linea nigra
The linea nigra is a dark vertical line that may appear on your abdomen. 

Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it is a completely normal and harmless pigmentation change caused by hormones.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
It usually appears in the second trimester and fades after delivery. It can be a little concerning to see this new mark on your skin, but rest assured that it is perfectly normal.
Prevent and care
As linea nigra is caused by hormonal changes, there is nothing much to do, but it's important to be aware of and monitor changes in your skin.
  • Expect a dark line that appears vertically on the abdomen. 
  • It typically develops in the second trimester and may fade after childbirth. 
  • Sun exposure can intensify its appearance, so use sunscreen if necessary.
Some people believe that the linea nigra could send a signal about your baby’s gender. They say that if it runs to your belly button, you’re having a girl, and if it keeps going all the way to your ribs you’re due for a boy. But there isn’t any science behind the theory.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
It is nothing to worry about and will fade away on its own after delivery. 

You do not need to consult your healthcare provider unless you notice any unusual changes in the size or color of the line.
Top Asked Questions
Why does linea nigra develop during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can stimulate the production of melanin, causing the appearance of linea nigra.

When can I expect to see linea nigra during pregnancy?

It often appears in the second trimester and may become more pronounced as pregnancy progresses.

Is there a way to make linea nigra disappear faster after childbirth?

It typically fades on its own, but sun exposure should be minimized or protected with sunscreen to prevent darkening.

All I Need to Know
N
Natalie
26 Sep 2023

I’m kinda disappointed I don’t have the visible linea nigra at 21 weeks😩 I have the lightest line on my lower belly also anyone else got alot of hair on their bellies? I never had hair on my stomach until I got pregnant 😩I’m like the wolverine😂😂

2 comments
A
Ana
Yes not that much hair but some but the hair is on the line on my belly
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
A
I have the lightest linea nigra below my belly button but yes to the hair! I never had any hair on my stomach until I got pregnant. I’m blonde and I’m even getting dark hairs as well 😅
27 Mar 2024

Answer


j
jelly
5 May 2023

Anyone else not have the linea negra? it’s my second kid and I don’t have one at 6 months pregnant

6 comments
Q
Quaneisha
I don’t you can see it a little but not much yet and this my 6th child
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Shasta
I don't have it either 27 weeks
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Mickayla
25 Mar 2023

Has anyone got the linea nigra line yet ? Mine doesn’t seem to be so dark and I can hardly tell and I’m 24 weeks & 1 day?

6 comments
L
La’Kevia
Yes I had mine at about 21 weeks .. but everybody bodies are different , yours might get darker soon
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Mickayla
Ok it’s kinda there on the bottom but it’s just hard to see cause it’s light .
27 Mar 2024

Answer


C
Cy
11 Feb 2023

Tummy pic because my husband pointed out my linea nigra popping up. HG still whooping my ass but we’re surviving!

2 comments
A
Ali🌙
I’ve always thought these lines were so cute and gorgeous. ♥️ love your nails too!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Cy
Thank you! 🥺💕
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jae
22 Jan 2023

Ok, so I’m not freaking out but I’m very confused… You know the dark line that appears on the top when you’re pregnant? Yeah, the “Linea Nigra”. I am almost 8 months in and mine is not showing. This is my second baby, and my line showed with my first baby, so I guess I’m confused as to why it’s not showing with this baby. Has this happen with anyone else?

7 comments
S
Shania
I’m not as far as you I’m only 9 weeks this is my fourth pregnancy & my line has darkened at all
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Kate
I got a really dark one with my first, none with my second, or third, and this time I got a light one but not until super late in pregnancy. I'm not sure what makes it only show up in some pregnancies but not all. 🤷🏻
27 Mar 2024

Answer


j
jonesha
30 Aug 2022

So ladies question when did y’all start to see ur linea nigra? Causee I’ll be 5 months tomorrow and mines not showing at all

6 comments
M
Monika
I’m 25 weeks and nothing, not everyone gets it
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
j
jonesha
Ohhh okayy hun and thanks I’ll be 18 weeks tomorrow and she don’t be moving as much as she usually move so I be so worried then her heart rate went from 157 to like 120’s and 130’s so I’m like is she Okayy I be so worried
27 Mar 2024

Answer


F
Fabiola
29 Jul 2022

Linea Nigra - predicts baby gender myth’s….. Your body can predict whether you're having a boy or a girl. Another myth says that if you develop a linea nigra—that dark line down the middle of your belly—and it runs from your belly button downwards, you're having a girl. But if it runs from your pelvis up to your ribcage, you're having a boy. Is this true or false for anyone!!!

7 comments
B
Bree
that line has to do with hormones from your placenta
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
j
jamie
I had a boy and it ran from my belly button down
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Keke 💕
10 Jul 2022

Is anyone else linea nigra line crooked or is it just me I thought the pregnancy line supposed to appear straight lol 😂 just curious

1 comments

A
Alina
16 Jun 2022

Did everyone get a Linea nigra the dark streak running from your belly button down? Bc I’m at 20 weeks and I have no line there and I thought everyone gets it?

21 comments
A
Ajah
You don’t always get it , mine just never went away .
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
❤️Brielles❤️world❤️
Mine either I only get it when I'm pregnant.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kesami
25 May 2022

Starting to get linea nigra…I’m so grossed out by what my body has been doing. For those of you who have been pregnant before, did this go away after pregnancy?

8 comments
K
Kesami
What’s ur due date!!??
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms