The dark brown line of linea nigra typically extends above and below the belly button.

Linea nigra is typically seen in pregnant women as a sharp vertical, flat, dark line in the middle of the stomach.

Images of Linea Nigra (2)

Linea Nigra

Linea nigra is the medical term for the dark vertical line that appears on a pregnant woman’s belly during pregnancy. It is darker in color than the surrounding skin, and it extends from the top of the belly down to the pubic hair, running through the belly button. The reason for the development of the line is probably related to hormonal changes; after pregnancy, the linea nigra usually disappears. The darker your original skin color, the longer this will take, so it may take a year for the linea nigra to go away in some women. Sometimes babies, who share their mother’s hormones before birth, will be born with a similar line that also fades over time.