Pregnant women will experience many changes, ranging from changes in body shape to mood swings. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause the appearance of a line on the stomach during pregnancy. Perhaps not many are aware of the cause of the longitudinal line or linea nigra during pregnancy. Let's take a look at the explanation below, moms.
Linea nigra is a vertical brownish-black line that extends from the navel to the pubic bone. As the pregnancy progresses, this line on the abdomen becomes more visible. Linea nigra, also known as the pregnancy line, is a common phenomenon that occurs in pregnant women. So, expectant mothers, don't worry about the line on your abdomen during pregnancy.
Causes of the black line on the stomach during pregnancy
The appearance of linea nigra during pregnancy is associated with hormonal changes in pregnant women. Higher than usual levels of estrogen and melanocyte-stimulating hormones act on cells containing melanin. Melanin itself is the pigment that gives color to the skin.
The main cause of this black line is related to hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. The increase in melanin hormones stimulates higher melanin production beneath the skin's surface, causing the black line to appear. More intense melanin production in the linea alba area (the middle area of the abdomen) can lead to the formation of the black line.
In addition to the black line on the abdomen, some pregnant women may also experience increased pigmentation on the facial area, areola (nipple), and other areas. All of this is related to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Types of Linea in Pregnant Women
The line on the belly during pregnancy can vary for each pregnant woman. Even though there is a line stretching across, the color of the line may not be the same for everyone. This pregnancy line has variations. Here are the different types of linea in pregnant women:
Linea Alba
This pregnancy line can actually appear before pregnancy but is not very noticeable. Before turning black, this line appears white or is referred to as linea alba. Due to its light and faint color, not many pregnant women realize the appearance of linea alba. Usually, pregnant women begin to notice linea alba during the first trimester of pregnancy.
In early pregnancy, the line that initially resembles skin color will turn brown and darken. This color change occurs due to a surge in melanocyte cells that cause the brown color on the linea.
Linea Nigra
As explained earlier, the increase in hormones will encourage more melanin production. This high melanin in the body causes this pregnancy line to become darker, also known as linea nigra.
The linea nigra usually becomes more pronounced when a pregnant woman enters the second trimester. The growing belly also causes the abdominal wall to expand, leading to the separation of the linea alba. As a result, the linea becomes weak and loses its elasticity.
How to Overcome Belly Lines in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women do not require special treatment to remove linea nigra. This is because linea nigra will disappear on its own after pregnancy when hormones return to normal. Linea nigra will gradually fade within a few weeks postpartum. In fact, some may take longer, up to 9-12 months.
However, to reduce the appearance of linea nigra, pregnant women can consume foods high in folic acid. In addition, the color of the linea nigra is also influenced by how often the pregnant woman is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, using sunscreen with safe ingredients is recommended during pregnancy.
So, the line on the stomach during pregnancy is a normal part of pregnancy. Linea nigra is also not related to any health issues during pregnancy. There is no medication or treatment that can remove linea nigra, moms, because it will disappear on its own.
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