What is Linea Negra?

Linea Negra is a dark line that develops down the middle of the woman’s bellies during the pregnancy period. The line is generally a centimeter in width and mostly runs down from the bottom of the rib cage to the pubic bone. This kind of a line is mostly found in an expectant mother who has already had darker skin pigmentation. The dark line occurs because of the increased production of melanin during the pregnancy period. Before the development of the dark line there is a lighter white line that is known as the linea alba.

Ways of reducing Linea Negra:

The dark line normally starts appearing from the second trimester of the pregnancy period and can even last for days after the infant is born. In some of the situations the line would be fading away automatically after the baby is born and in some of the cases the line remains there for a very long time. Various methods have been suggested by the scientists to reduce the effects of these lines which include the intake of enough folic acid, staying away from direct sunlight and avoiding the use of any bleaching product. The researchers have proved that in the absence of the adequate levels of the folic acid the skin might loose its colour thus; it is strongly suggested to increase the intake of the folic acid. In some of the cases it is noticed that in spite of a regular intake of the folic acid the dark line does not seem to lighten but, there is nothing to worry in such a situation. It only indicates that the pregnancy hormones are been produced adequately. Staying away from the sunlight is also an essential thing as it might lead to an additional production of melanin. In most of the pregnant women’s it is found that the dark line disappears immediately after the infant is born, and in the case where the infant is breastfeed the disappearance time would be a little linger. The last thing that can be done to hide away these dark lines is to apply some concealing makeup.

How is Linea Negra produced?

There already exists a lighter line known as the Linea Alba which is not visible but during the pregnancy period it darkens and forms a darker line which is known as the Linea Negra. It is basically developed because of the several hormonal changes that occur during the pregnancy period. With the development of the Linea Negra the expectant might even notice the darkening of the clitoris and the nipples. The hormonal changes during the pregnancy period often lead to the secretion of melanin, that results in darker skin and consequently a darker Linea Negra.