Linea nigra: Everything You Want to Know During Pregnancy
Are you pregnant and suddenly a darker line has appeared that runs across your belly? Maybe you've even been a little worried while trying to find out what could be the cause or maybe, talking to your grandmother, you've been told that you're expecting a boy or a girl precisely in reference to the appearance of this line. If so, then in this article you'll find all the information you were looking for on the linea nigra .
Before starting, I'll leave you some useful information:
- If you would like to schedule an office visit with me or my midwife colleague, you can find me here.
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What is Linea Nigra?
The linea nigra is one of the many physical changes that a woman can experience during pregnancy. It is a dark, well-defined line that extends vertically along the abdomen, usually from the pubic area to the navel, but in some cases it can reach the sternum. Precisely for this characteristic, it is not particularly loved by future mothers, especially if summer is approaching.
I suggest you try to see it from another point of view, that is, as a sign of strength and transformation that tells the extraordinary journey you are living. Embrace every change, big or small, because each of them is part of your incredible story of motherhood.
Furthermore, the linea nigra is only temporary.
Origin of the Name
Linea alba or linea nigra?
The linea alba, which means "white line" in Latin, is a band of connective tissue that runs vertically down the center of the abdomen. This line extends from the pubic bone to the sternum and divides the abdominal wall into two symmetrical halves. Under normal conditions, the linea alba is almost invisible, but it plays a crucial role in the structural support of the abdomen.
During pregnancy, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone increase significantly and stimulate melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin that gives color to the skin. The consequence of the increase in melanin is the darkening of the linea alba, which thus becomes the linea nigra .