Pregnancy comes with its own quota of joys as well as complications too. The downsides can take a toll on your mental rest if you just don’t know what and why such things are happening during the pregnancy. One of such issues in pregnancy is Linea Nigra, or also known as ‘the black line’, which appears on your abdomen starting from right under your breasts in a straight manner right down to your lower abdomen area. This line is also one of the most common signs of pregnancy in a woman. The width of Linea Nigra is generally 0.5 to 0.25 inches thick and it gets darker as you advances in your pregnancy. Well, there are numerous causes to Linea Nigra which we will discuss below in further details but for now one thing you should be quite clear about: Linea Nigra is indeed nothing serious to get worried about in pregnancy.
Causes of Linea Nigra
During pregnancy there are is an increased hormonal activity in your body which is usually the main origin of several skin issues such as Linea Nigra. This starts to happen in the second or third pregnancy trimesters mostly. You may wonder that there is a white line going down your belly which is always there but never noticeable enough prior to pregnancy when your abdomen goes outwards a lot. Now, due to extreme hormonal changes and over-production of melanin this very line becomes dark and much exposed thus changing itself to Linea Nigra.
Risk Factors of Linea Nigra
This skin epidermis happens mostly in African and Asian dark color races. This is because there is a huge amount of pigmentation in these Eastern race’ skins which double the chances of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can be the genuine cause for developing Nigra or pregnancy masks in pregnant woman. Additionally, climates that are believed to be too hot in general such as some regions of Asia and Africa where exposition to UV rays from the Sun is a constant danger, hyperpigmentation can get seriously worse. This will eventually lead to very observable and dark Linea Nigra.
The Fading of Linea Nigra
Linea Nigra starts to fade away as soon as you give birth. This ends the increased birth hormonal activity in your body and sets them down to normal mode ending any additional side effects caused during pregnancy. But the flaw is that it never completely fades away because some form of dark Linea remains after pregnancy. The time-frame given by skin specialists is at least one year for it to get to that length where observation of Linea Nigra is very slight.
How Can You Get Rid of Linea Nigra?
Well first of all understand that there is simply nothing you can do to get rid of Linea Nigra while you’re in pregnancy. But, there are some things you can surely do to keep a check on the dark line so as to keep it in the most minimum form. Here’s what you can do:
- Protect your belly while out in the sun by applying sun-screen lotion or wearing clothing’s that can cover up your belly from direct sun rays. This is also meant to keep the area as much sweat-free as you can.
- Eating lots of Folic acid containing foods can be a very beneficial proposition to check the Linea Nigra. Also, taking up vitamins that are prenatal is also very good alternative. Latest studies in this sector suggest that most of hyperpigmentation can be caused by the deficiency of folic acid in your body. So, take up foods that is rich in these compounds.
You can additionally use some lemon oil or even alcohol on the affected area of your abdomen as these agents can easily lighten the pigmentation level on your belly. However, since the pregnancy is a very delicate matter, it is best to always consult a doctor before beginning with any methods to conceal pigmentation or other downsides of pregnancy. Doctors rare the best source who can advise you on what beneficial ways you should avail to lower down pigmentation or other deficiencies during pregnancy.
Hey Sean, thanks for your cnmemot. I too actually suffer from the same problem. My advice to you is to first try and manage your symptoms of IBS by taking steps to manage sources of stress/worry/depression, eating a balanced diet and getting at least 7hrs sleep every night. Now as for breakfast, what I do is blend up 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 3 scoops of protein powder, some honey and some frozen berries. This gives you everything your body needs to get going in the morning and is easy to consume.