Linea nigra, often called the pregnancy line, is a dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second trimester around 20 weeks and affects over 90% of pregnant women. While it may be surprising if you’ve never seen it before, linea nigra is a completely normal and harmless change. It is not a sign of a problem and does not affect your baby’s health.

Everyone has a faint line on their abdomen called the linea alba, which means “white line” in Latin. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause this line to darken, turning it into what’s known as linea nigra or “black line.” It typically runs from the pubic bone to the belly button and sometimes higher. The line may appear darker in people with deeper skin tones due to higher levels of natural pigmentation.^1,2,3,4,5

When Does Linea Nigra Appear?

The dark line that runs vertically along a pregnant woman’s belly, known as linea nigra or the pregnancy line, usually appears during the second trimester. It most often develops around 20 weeks, or the fifth month of pregnancy, and measures about ¼ to ½ inch in width. Seeing this line for the first time can feel unsettling, especially during a first pregnancy, but linea nigra is a normal and common part of pregnancy.^1,2

Related: How and Why Your Body Changes During Pregnancy

What Causes Linea Nigra?

Linea nigra develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color and areas of natural darkening, such as freckles, the nipples, and the areola. It also causes the vaginal area to appear darker than the surrounding skin, a process known as hyperpigmentation.

During pregnancy, these already darker areas often become even more pronounced, beginning in the first trimester. However, the pregnancy line on the belly usually does not appear until the second trimester, around 20 weeks. As pregnancy progresses, the line may continue to darken, which is completely normal. Some parents even use it as a fun way to show siblings where the new baby is by pointing to the line.^1,2,3,5

Related: Pregnancy Hormones: What’s Happening

Does Everyone Get Linea Nigra?

Linea nigra is extremely common during pregnancy, affecting more than 90% of women.¹ Some women don’t get the pregnancy line at all, or it might be there but be faint.² Most women who get linea nigra during their first pregnancy will likely have the same experience with additional pregnancies.⁶

Other people, besides pregnant women, can also develop linea nigra. It can happen to non-pregnant women, children, and men. It isn’t always known why this happens. Some people may have an underlying medical problem that needs to be addressed (usually in men over 50 years). Others will have it as children, but as they become older, it fades away. Linea nigra can also appear in older children during puberty when they have increased hormone levels. It is typically considered a normal condition, but it’s worth calling your provider just to be sure.^1,2

Can You Prevent Getting a Pregnancy Line on Your Stomach?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent linea nigra from developing during pregnancy. It appears due to hormonal changes that increase melanin production in the skin, which cannot be controlled.² Some women may feel self-conscious about the pregnancy line and have tried to lighten it, including bleaching, despite medical advice against this. These methods are often ineffective and not recommended.

While linea nigra cannot be prevented or removed during pregnancy, a few steps may help keep it from becoming darker or make it less noticeable:^1,2,4

• Use sunscreen to help prevent the linea nigra from darkening further with sun exposure.
• Applying pregnancy-safe makeup to the line may help camouflage it if your healthcare provider approves.
• Bleaching the area should be avoided until after delivery and only if you are not breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor about when it may be safe to do so.
• Folic acid may help reduce the appearance of linea nigra, although this has not been scientifically proven. Foods rich in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, whole wheat bread, oranges, and beans.

When Does Linea Nigra Go Away?

Linea nigra usually fades on its own after childbirth as hormone levels gradually return to normal. This process may take several weeks or months, and in some cases, the line may fade without disappearing completely. Every woman’s body is different.

If you’re concerned that your linea nigra is taking longer than expected to fade or hasn’t lightened enough, talk with your healthcare provider. They will typically recommend checking in if the line has not faded or disappeared within three months after delivery.^2,3,5

Related: Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Embracing Your Changing Body

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and linea nigra is just one of them. Compared to other physical shifts, such as nausea, heartburn, swelling, or changes in hair and foot size, the pregnancy line is usually one of the more temporary changes.

For some women, accepting the physical changes that come with pregnancy feels natural, while for others it can be more challenging. Still, these changes reflect the remarkable work your body is doing. Pregnancy can feel long in the moment, but it represents a relatively brief season in life. When possible, try to appreciate what your body is capable of as it grows and nurtures new life.