Linea Nigra
Applying makeup to cover your linea nigra is an option if the dark line is bothering you or if it doesn’t fade away fast enough. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about the appearance of your linea nigra.
Linea nigra but not pregnant
Talk to experienced gynaecologist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Consult with a gynaecologist
Online now
Good afternoon doctors, My query is about the faint brownish vertical line on stomach running from navel to public bone i.e. Linea Nigra Can linea nigra develop in non-pregnant adult women? If yes, what all may be the causes behind it ?
Asked for Female, 26 Years 926 Views v
Dr. K Supriya Gynecologist | Bhilai
I am 2 months postpartum. I have Linea nigra over my abdomen. Can you suggest any Cream or lotion for it. Thanks.
Asked for Female, 34 Years 219 Views v
Dr. Prof. C.R.V.Narasimhalu Dermatologist | Chennai
0 /1 people found this helpful
I developed Linea nigra during pregnancy. I am 2 months postpartum. Any medication to reduce the pigmentation?
Asked for Female, 34 Years 269 Views v
Dr. Falak Chowdhary Gynecologist | Mumbai
Can unwanted 72 cause Linea nigra, faced other problems constipation breast pain pelvic pain, tested beta hcg for 2 months, got 1.2 all the three times, can you tell me the reason behind all this. I also had periods for 2 times, I had taken pills on 8th of feb.
Asked for Female, 20 Years 482 Views v
Dr. Shanthala Harsha Gynecologist/Obstetrician | Shimoga
After two months from physical intimacy i took urine test at noon holding 5 hours urine without drinking water which came negative I experienced bleeding for three days in both the first and second months. Despite a negative test 15 days after the second-month bleeding, I noticed a linea nigra on my belly. I’ve been having on-and-off apdominal pai
Asked for Male, 24 Years 57 Views v
Dr. Anuj Mothsra General Physician | Jhunjhunu
0 /1 people found this helpful
Got intercourse- on 23rd September only once Periods like bleeding- 7th October 3days 5pads used 2nd periods like bleeding 15th November same 3days and 5 pads used. Even on 1st December I tested urine test which came negative and also don’t have any pregnancy symptoms. But feeling stomach pain but this may be due to my Constipation issues from earl
Asked for Male, 23 Years 55 Views v
Dr Hitesh Viradiya General Physician | Surat
0 /1 people found this helpful
After two months of physical intimacy, I took a noon urine test which came back negative. I experienced bleeding for three days in both the first and second months. Despite a negative test 15 days after the second-month bleeding, I noticed a linea nigra on my belly. I’ve been having on-and-off abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation for the past
Asked for Male, 24 Years 103 Views v
Dr. K.R.Geetha Obstetrics and Gynecology | Madurai
1 /1 people found this helpful
Is it common for females with obesity to have darker linea nigra? I recently noticed there is a dark line in my belly, which was not there a couple of months ago. I have a history of PCOD and in recent blood investigations estrogen was 34.43 pg/ml FSH – 4.95 mIU/ml LH 16.29 mIU/ml UPT and bhcg – both negative.
Asked for Female, 25 Years 247 Views v
Dr. Nila Surendran Gynecologist/Obstetrician | Cochin
1 /1 people found this helpful
So I have been noticing Linea alba in my mouth not very prominent but yes it’s there for 2-3 months now. Also due to a major cavity in my right second molar teeth the Linea alba is little big in cheek area which touches the same. I’m general sceptical about health and have a history of smoking for 2 years which I have reduced now and hence asking.
Asked for Female, 26 Years 40 Views v
Dr. Inavolu Shamini Dentist | Hyderabad
1 /1 people found this helpful
I have a dark brown line from my upper abdomen starting from rib cage, which extends to lower abdomen. I’m currently 18 weeks pregnant I got it last week it’s dark brown in colour. Is it normal?
Asked for Female, 30 Years 35 Views v
Dr. K Supriya Gynecologist | Bhilai
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra on face and neck .. need a solution .
Asked for Female, 32 Years 28 Views v
Dr. Arpita Dermatologist | Ahmedabad
0 /1 people found this helpful
I have a thick line in my inner right cheek..dentist said its linea alba..does homeopathy have cure for linea alba
Asked for Male, 46 Years 119 Views v
Dr. Fathima Homoeopath | Tiruchirappalli
Hi Doctor, I am 8 months pregnant and i have heard during this time you have Linea Niagra in your stomach but i cant see any line during my pregnancy . So it is normal ? Please suggest Thanks
Asked for Female, 32 Years 72 Views v
Dr. Nikitha Reddy Obstetrician | Hyderabad
Greetings doctors. I am unmarried and have a history of hypothyroid and possible PCOS. I am 5’2”, 64 kg Since a few days I have noticed this vertical line (linea nigra) on my stomach. I dont remember if it was present before or not. What is the cause of this line? Is it a cause of concern? Is it due to hormonal imbalance? I havent checked my t
Asked for Female, 26 Years 253 Views v
Dr. Raghav Bhargava Endocrinologist | Delhi
1 /1 people found this helpful
Last date of contact: 6th september (2 days after period) Never had penetrative intercourse, only had genital rubbing, dry humping or fingering Getting regular periods every month. Done around 10 UPT and 3 b hcg tests, all negative Also done abdominal USG on 11 nov to rule out pregnancy during which PCOD was diagnosed, no pregnancy detected Today
Asked for Female, 26 Years 396 Views v
Dr. K Supriya Gynecologist | Bhilai
Can line of nigra be present in pregnant women or can be in non pregnant women why it is there what is indicates
Asked for Female, 26 Years 308 Views v
Dr. Vardhan Garg General Physician | Delhi
I m 20 weeks pregnant..during this pregnancy I saw some red spot in my jaw near linea alba .but it is not paining.what should I do ?pls suggest
Asked for Female, 26 Years 114 Views v
Dr. Farheen shaikh Dental Surgeon | Delhi
1 /1 people found this helpful
There are black spots on palms of hand and legs and it looks like infection . Its been 2 month of being infected ,after searching on Google and YouTube it look like tenia nigra. Can i get a cream on that area.
Asked for Female, 48 Years 91 Views v
Dr. Manas Chopra Dermatologist | Delhi
Really just a question, is the Linea Nigra a positive sign of pregnancy? I didnt have my period yet but I see this line , does it mean I’m pregnant?
Asked for Female, 19 Years 792 Views v
Dr. Astha Agarwal Gynecologist/Obstetrician | Ghaziabad
2 /2 people found this helpful
Hello, i have hade linea alba in my mouth for as long as i can remember and recently i noticed that when i touch it with my tounge it leaks some fluid. Is that normal?
Asked for Female, 21 Years 163 Views v
Dr. Priya Verma Dentist | Bangalore
I have regular Linea Alba in my cheek one side this is harmful to us please tell
Asked for Male, 37 Years 325 Views v
Dr. Anupreet Kaur Choudhury Dentist | Kolkata
0 /3 people found this helpful
It is possible that Linea Alba come regularly in cheek Please confirm it it is harmful
Asked for Male, 37 Years 143 Views v
Dr. Prof. Mahendra Raj Oral Medicine and Radiology | Chennai
I changed my teeth in dentist but linea alba is not gone please help me please
Asked for Male, 22 Years 137 Views v
Dr. Mandana Donoghue Dentist | Belgaum
0 /3 people found this helpful
What can be the best cure for Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) Is it safe to remove DPN by any method or is there any medicines
Asked for Male, 27 Years 229 Views v
Dr. Shaurya Rohatgi Dermatologist | Mumbai
1 /1 people found this helpful
, I have linea alba in mouth more than three month I consalt dentest and he said its normal . But my question is how many day’s required recover that problem .
Asked for Male, 20 Years 2541 Views v
Dr. Amit Chhillar Dentist | Gurgaon
1 /1 people found this helpful
How can I treat linea alba in mauth both side cheek (painless)? and how many day s to recover that problem ?
Asked for Male, 20 Years 11384 Views v
Dr. Rahul Advani Dentist | Mumbai
Linea alba mouth problem cheek side white line on 2 month so what can I do solve that problem *******
Asked for Male, 20 Years 402 Views v
Dr. Swathi S Aithal Family and Community Medicine Specialist | Bangalore
0 /1 people found this helpful
What is the best and effective way to treat dermatosis papulosa nigra with out scars on skin. Any proven cases would be appreciated
Asked for Male, 27 Years 336 Views v
Dr. Govind S Mittal Dermatologist | Bangalore
1 /1 people found this helpful
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Doubts about periods or pregnancy?
Consult with a gynaecologist online
- Private and confidential
- Share reports
- Free follow-ups
Linea Nigra
Linea nigra is a dark line that develops on your stomach during pregnancy. It usually extends from your bellybutton to your pubic area. The linea nigra is caused by an increase in hormones and fades once your baby is born.
Overview
The linea nigra, or pregnancy line, is a dark line that starts at your pubic bone and extends through your belly button during pregnancy.
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.”
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.
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.
Function
What is the linea nigra for?
No one is sure what the linea nigra is for. Some have speculated that the darker color helps a newborn baby find its way up to the breasts to nurse (breastfeed). There are other old wives’ tales that you may hear about the linea nigra, but none have been proven.
What makes the linea nigra appear during pregnancy?
The linea nigra appears naturally during pregnancy because of the higher levels of hormones in your body. The exact cause isn’t known, but most healthcare providers believe that the melanocyte-stimulating hormone created by the placenta causes melanin to rise during pregnancy. Melanin is responsible for giving your skin its color. This increase in melanin causes your skin to darken during pregnancy. This same hormone is responsible for causing melasma and darker areolas. No one is sure why certain areas of the body are affected and others are not.
Anatomy
What does the linea nigra look like?
The linea nigra is about 1/4 to 1/2 inches wide and stretches from your pubic bone to your belly button. In some cases, it extends past the belly button towards your breasts. It’s darker than your skin color and can appear brown or light black. Your linea nigra stays a consistent width from the top to the bottom. It’s not a cause for worry and doesn’t indicate there are issues with your pregnancy or your skin.
Conditions and Disorders
Can I avoid getting a line on my stomach during pregnancy?
No, you can’t prevent getting the linea nigra. It’s connected to hormone changes in your body. It will lessen and fade away after your baby is born.
Is the linea nigra a sign of any health condition?
No, the linea nigra is not associated with any medical conditions during pregnancy. It’s a completely normal part of being pregnant.
Care
Can I make my linea nigra go away?
No, you can’t make it go away. Healthcare providers don’t recommend applying medications, topical ointments or other bleaching agents to your skin while you are pregnant. Wearing sunscreen can be beneficial as ultraviolet rays from the sun can intensify the color of your linea nigra. Folic acid may help reduce the intensity of the linea nigra. Folic acid is found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans and whole wheat bread.
Using a bleaching cream may be an option after your baby is born, but only if you are not breastfeeding.
Applying makeup to cover your linea nigra is an option if the dark line is bothering you or if it doesn’t fade away fast enough. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about the appearance of your linea nigra.
Additional Common Questions
Do you get a linea nigra every pregnancy?
Yes, more than likely it will appear each pregnancy. It may look different each time (darker or lighter than before) or appear earlier (or later) than before. Some people feel like it takes longer to go away with each pregnancy, but that hasn’t been proven.
Why do I have a linea nigra when I’m not pregnant?
Linea nigra can appear in children and people who are not pregnant. The linea nigra doesn’t always fade completely, leaving some people with a permanent, faint linea nigra after they deliver their baby.
Healthcare providers are not entirely sure why the linea nigra gets darker in nonpregnant people, but it seems to be connected to hormones. Certain medications or underlying health conditions could contribute to making your linea alba appear darker. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not pregnant but have a visible linea nigra.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Linea nigra occurs in pregnancy because your hormones cause your skin to change color. Talk to your healthcare provider if the color of your linea nigra is bothering you to see if they can help. The good news is that your linea nigra should fade after you give birth and your hormones return to regular levels.