What is the linea nigra?
The linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the skin of your stomach during pregnancy. It's also called the pregnancy line. It runs from your belly button to your public area but can extend towards your abdomen. The linea nigra may appear darker as your pregnancy develops and is more visible in people with darker complexions. Linea nigra is Latin for "black line."
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When do you get the linea nigra?
You always have a linea nigra, but it's nearly invisible until your hormones rise during pregnancy. In most people, the linea nigra darkens enough to be visible in the second trimester (around 20 weeks). Before you're pregnant, the line is called linea alba or "white line." When you are pregnant and the line gets dark and visible, it's called linea nigra.
When does the linea nigra go away?
The linea nigra will fade after pregnancy when your hormone levels return to regular levels. The fading is gradual over several weeks or months. In some cases, it doesn't entirely disappear or takes a lot longer to go away.
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Does everyone get a linea nigra?
Up to about 80% of pregnant people will have a linea nigra, but it may be more or less noticeable depending on your skin color. Those with darker complexions tend to have a more pronounced linea nigra compared to those with fair complexions. This is because people with darker skin have more pigmentation than those with light skin.
