linea nigra.
last revised · reviewed 2026-07-05
The linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears down the middle of the belly, usually in the second trimester, caused by pregnancy hormones stimulating extra pigment in skin that was always there. It is completely harmless and fades in the months after birth.
what it feels like
It doesn't feel like anything — it is purely visual: a brownish line, usually a few millimetres to a centimetre wide, running from the pubic bone up to (and sometimes past) the belly button. It often darkens gradually as pregnancy progresses, and shows more on deeper skin tones.
why it happens
Rising oestrogen and melanocyte-stimulating hormone boost pigment production across the body — the same reason nipples darken and some women develop facial pigmentation (melasma). The midline of the abdomen already has a faint pale seam (the linea alba); pregnancy simply inks it in.
what helps
- Nothing is needed — it is harmless and needs no treatment
- Use sunscreen or cover the bump in the sun; UV exposure darkens pregnancy pigmentation
- Folate-rich foods (leafy greens, beans) support normal pigment metabolism — you're likely covered by your pregnancy vitamin already
- Skip skin-lightening products during pregnancy; many are unsuitable and the line fades on its own
- Expect it to fade over weeks to months after birth — a little slower if breastfeeding
when to call your midwife or doctor
- There is no medical concern with a linea nigra itself — mention any questions at a routine appointment
- A pigmented patch or mole that is changing shape, colour, or bleeding — see your doctor as you would outside pregnancy
- Itching, pain, or a rash along the line — worth a mention to your midwife or doctor
- Facial pigmentation you find distressing — your midwife or a pharmacist can suggest pregnancy-safe sun protection and camouflage options
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call — no midwife has ever minded a careful question.
common questions
When does the linea nigra appear?
Most women who develop one notice it in the second trimester, commonly around weeks 20 to 24, darkening gradually thereafter. Around three quarters of pregnant women get some degree of midline darkening; it tends to be more visible on medium and deeper skin tones.
Does the linea nigra go away after birth?
Yes — it fades gradually over weeks to months once hormone levels fall after birth, though it can take longer if you're breastfeeding, and a faint trace occasionally lingers. Sun protection on the area helps it fade faster.
Can the linea nigra predict my baby's sex?
No — folklore says a line ending at the belly button means a girl and one running past it means a boy, but there is no evidence for it. The line's length and depth reflect your skin's pigment response, nothing more. It's a fun guess, not a forecast.
read it in context
Linea nigra tends to show up around these weeks of pregnancy:
related symptoms
- Shortness of breath
Mild breathlessness affects up to 7 in 10 pregnant women — progesterone drives you to breathe more deeply from early pregnancy, and later the growing uterus presses the diaphragm upwards.
- Frequent urination
Needing to wee more often is one of the earliest pregnancy signs, driven by increased blood flow to the kidneys and hormonal changes.
- Sciatica
Sciatica in pregnancy is pain that shoots from the lower back or buttock down the back of one leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.
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