Pregnancy line – the dark line on my belly bump.

Have you suddenly noticed a dark vertical line on your growing belly bump?

What is a pregnancy line?

The line on the belly is called the ‘pregnancy line’ or Linea nigra and is very common during pregnancy. Interestingly, you have always had it, but it has been too light to see. Then during 2nd and 3rd trimester, it tends to get darker and darker.

Pregnancy Line Facts

The pregnancy line normally runs down the middle of your abdomen, between your belly button and pubic bone, and can sometimes extend all the way to your sternum. The line is about 0.6-1.3 cm wide.

Why do pregnant women get pregnancy lines on their belly bumps?

During pregnancy the placenta releases large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to help the baby develop. These two hormones can also stimulate the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to make more melanin, which will make our skin tanned. Besides getting a darker pregnancy line, many mamas-to-be might notice that other parts of the body (i.e. nipples, areolas, face) get darker too.

How long time will the pregnancy line be visible on the belly bump?

The pregnancy line will usually start fading when the baby is born, as the hormone levels return to pre-pregnant state. The fading time varies slightly from woman to woman, and pregnancy to pregnancy. However, in some new mums, the line may never completely disappear.

If you had the line on your belly during your first pregnancy, you’ll likely have it again in later pregnancies – but not always. It can appear earlier or later, look fainter or darker, or not appear at all. Like everything else in pregnancy, the linea nigra can be very unpredictable!

How to deal with the pregnancy line.

Since the hyperpigmentation is caused by the hormone changes during pregnancy, there’s not much you can do to stop it. But there are few steps you can take to minimise the appearance:


1. Cover up and wear sunscreen whenever you are outside.

Sun exposure can make hyperpigmentation worse.

2. Only use skincare developed for sensitive skin.

Some skincare products can irritate your skin and worsen the pigmentation. Remember that skin tends to become more sensitive during pregnancy. Here you can read about which skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant.

3. Use a gentle belly scrub to remove away dead skin cells.

Our polishing soap-free belly scrub is perfect for this. It’s a honey-like gel with organic grape seed powder that will transform into a light exfoliating lotion when mixed with water.

Pregnancy Belly Scrub

4. Avoid waxing.

Hair waxing can cause inflammation of the skin, which can also worsen the hyperpigmentation.

5. Avoid using skin whitening products during pregnancy.

Ingredients such as hydroquinone and vitamin A should be avoided when you are pregnant.


During pregnancy it can be rather difficult to work out which skincare products are safe to use. This is where we can help you! Our skincare products are formulated with pregnant and nursing mums in mind. Get the glow you deserve now!

Want to keep your belly bump nicely hydrated and smooth? Check out our purple belly range:

Belly Products