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Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in your body, and some of them may not be as exciting as the gorgeous pregnancy glow or thick lustrous hair. You may have read and heard about swollen pregnancy feet and carrot fingers, but moany painful secrets about pregnancy bodies are swept under the carpet. For example, let us discuss the dark line that will appear on your belly during the 5th month of your pregnancy. Yes, we know you didn’t ask for it, and we find it difficult to explain why a pregnant momma would need a perfectly straight line on her belly. But thankfully, there are enough studies on that to explain what the line is and when to expect it to fade away. So here is all you need to know about the straight dark line on your belly. Read on to know it all!
What Is The Dark Pregnancy Line?
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The linea nigra, commonly known as the pregnancy line, is a dark line on the abdomen during pregnancy (1). About 80% of women experience this as a common sign of pregnancy (2). The average course of the linea nigra is from the pubic bone to the top of the umbilicus (belly button) (3). However, it can go much farther, sometimes reaching the sternum. The typical width is between a quarter and a half of an inch. It could become blurry higher up. It might also be a different shade than what you often see on pregnant ladies. Apparently, these distinctions are typical and ought not to raise any alarm. The line may become visible as early as the fifth month of gestation. After that, there are times when it appears out of nowhere. The line deepens for most women as their bellies expand.
Why Does The Line Appear?
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While the exact reason for this line appearing is uncertain, it is thought to be the result of a woman’s changing hormone levels during pregnancy. Melanocytes, the cells that generate the pigment melanin and give you tan, could be stimulated by the hormones released by the placenta (4). As a result, your nipples & areolas may become darker in color during pregnancy. According to one common myth, pregnancy lines are said to only appear when the expectant mother is carrying a son. However, there is no constructive proof or research to back this statement. Pregnancy lines also appear in female pregnancies, so we can drop that as a sign to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.
Also, the presence or absence of a linea nigra cannot be used as a reliable indicator of fetal development. Most non-pregnant girls, boys, men, & women also develop this line on their bellies.
If You Have Linea Nigra, What Can You Do About It?
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The visual cue of a dark line on your pregnant belly might be unsettling to some women. But other than giving birth, there is nothing you should or can do to make it disappear. Medical experts do not recommend any kind of medication to remove the line. Also, the line will not go away if you bleach your skin, so don’t try any kind of harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by your skin. You need to consult with your physician or midwife if you worry about the line not disappearing after a few months of your delivery. Finally, ensure you don’t do anything that can cause your skin to itch or burn, as your skin will already be twice as sensitive due to pregnancy and surging hormones.
When Can You Expect The Linea Nigra To Disappear?
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After the delivery of your baby, the line will gradually disappear. In the first few months after giving birth, most women may notice the line is fading as their estrogen levels return to their pre-pregnancy levels. It does not happen at the same time for all new moms. For some it may be quicker while for others it can take a few more months. Most women don’t even notice it’s there and are surprised when it disappears.
Most of us believe pregnancy to be what is shown on Tv and social media; however, they have many layers of filters on them to make it look picture perfect. You may feel you are the only one with swollen ankles and a hairy tummy during pregnancy, but you are not alone. Accepting the natural changes that come to your body during pregnancy will help you be at ease with yourself and accept yourself as you are. So, what is it about pregnancy that surprises you the most? Let us know in the comments section. Happy pregnancy!
