What is a Linea Negra?
A linea negra is a pale line that runs from the pubic bone to the belly button. In most women it is hardly noticeable. However, when a woman is pregnant, the linea negra may darken from a light, rosy brown to a very dark brown. Some women feel initially concerned that a dark line now runs down the middle of their belly. In many cases, the darkening of the linea negra will disappear a few months after a pregnancy ends. Not all women will have a noticeable linea negra even during pregnancy. Women with darker skin are more likely to have a darker line. This does not preclude women with light skin from developing a darker linea negra, however. Hormones produced when one is pregnant cause the linea negra. As well as a darkening line on the stomach, women may also notice that the clitoris and the nipples also appear darker. Pregnancy hormones tend to produce more melanin, a pigment that can result in darkening skin, or hyperpigmentation of certain areas of the body. Most women may notice the
