Linea Nigra (Dark Line on Belly)
Dark vertical line appearing on belly from pubic bone to belly button or higher.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually second trimester, darkens as pregnancy progresses
📊 How Common
About 75% of pregnant women develop linea nigra
Overview
Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on your belly during pregnancy, running from your pubic bone up to your belly button or beyond. It occurs in about 75% of pregnancies and is more noticeable on darker skin.
This line develops because pregnancy hormones increase melanin production (the pigment that colors skin). The linea alba (white line) that everyone has becomes hyperpigmented and visible, creating the linea nigra (black line).
Linea nigra is completely harmless and usually fades within a few months after delivery, though it may never disappear entirely. It often becomes more prominent with subsequent pregnancies.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Usually not yet visible
Second Trimester
Begins to appear and darken
Third Trimester
Most prominent
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Increased melanin from pregnancy hormones
- •Estrogen and progesterone stimulating melanocytes
- •Normal pigmentation change
- •More noticeable on darker skin tones
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓No treatment needed - it's normal and harmless
- ✓Protect from sun with clothing or sunscreen (sun can darken it)
- ✓Accept as normal part of pregnancy
- ✓Fades after delivery on its own
- ✓Avoid skin lightening creams (not safe in pregnancy)
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Belly Butter / Stretch-Mark Cream
Rich cocoa-butter moisturizer to keep a growing belly comfortable and hydrated.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Not a medical concern - purely cosmetic
- ⚠Other unusual skin changes
- ⚠Moles changing in appearance
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: