Plenty of pregnant people will tell you that the body goes through a lot of changes when carrying a baby – expectant parents can experience a myriad of side effects along the way, from food cravings to stretch marks, to postpartum hair loss later down the line. Another common body change is a dark line developing on the stomach during pregnant, which is medical terms is called linea nigra.
We asked Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife, to explain what the line seen on the belly during pregnancy is, what causes it and whether or not anything can be done to prevent linea nigra.
What causes linea nigra?
"Linea nigra [which literally means 'black line' in Latin] is the dark line that can develop down the centre of your bump as your pregnancy progresses," says Gilchrist. "This line usually stretches from the top of the pubic hair to the belly button, although it sometimes extends to the breast too."
She adds that it is caused by the increased oestrogen levels experienced in pregnancy, which boost the body’s production of melanin (a natural substance that gives your skin pigment). Typically, it appears around the midway point of pregnancy and is no thicker than half an inch wide (although in some it can be wider). Non-pregnant people may also have linea nigra, likely caused by hormones.
Gilchrist also notes that the linea nigra line can grow darker if a bump is exposed to sunlight. "Some women also experience more hair growth on their bump too," she says.
Is linea nigra normal?
It is! So please don't worry. "Linea nigra is a common side effect of pregnancy and won’t cause any harm to you or your baby," confirms Gilchrist. "This line usually fades or disappears completely a few months after childbirth."
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What should you do if you’re concerned about linea nigra?
As with any bodily concerns that occur during pregnancy, it's always advisable to consult your midwife or a doctor. "Avoid using bleaching products or creams on the linea nigra line during pregnancy or breastfeeding as this could be harmful to your baby," adds Gilchrist, who also recommends wearing sunscreen if your bump is exposed to the sun, as sun exposure can make the line darker.
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Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
