Linea nigra
Linea nigra, denoted by its Latin translation "black line", colloquially known as the pregnancy line, manifests as a linear area of heightened pigmentation frequently observed on the abdominal region during pregnancy.[1] Typically spanning approximately one centimeter (0.4 in) in width, this brownish streak extends vertically along the midline of the abdomen, spanning from the pubis to the umbilicus. Variably, it may traverse from the pubis to the upper abdominal region.[2]
For pregnant women, the emergence of linea nigra is attributed to an increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone by the placenta.[3] This physiological phenomenon is concomitant with the occurrence of melasma and darkened nipples. Individuals with lighter skin pigmentation tend to exhibit this phenomenon less frequently in comparison to those possessing darker pigmentation.[4] It is typical for the linea nigra to fade and dissipate within several months following childbirth.
Although predominantly associated with pregnancy, it can manifest in both males and females of all ages. Beyond the gestational context, its prevalence is found to be uniformly elevated in both sexes during the ages of 11 to 15. This is potentially attributable to hormonal fluctuations characteristic of
Additional images
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Woman nurses twins six days after birth. The linea nigra is still visible. -
A caesarean section scar (horizontal red line) and linea nigra visible on a 31-year-old woman seven weeks after childbirth.
See also
- Chadwick's sign
- Linea alba
- List of cutaneous conditions
- Perineal raphe
References
- S2CID 21882972.
- ^ She Knows Network: "What's that line? All about linea nigra" Archived 2008-02-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ISBN 978-1-4051-9452-5.
- ^ "Linea nigra and pregnancy". Pregmed. 2014-11-15. Archived from the original on 22 February 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
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Media related to Linea nigra at Wikimedia Commons