Title: Linea nigra
Course: Antenatal Care Part 1 - Ethiopia (Full)

Linea nigra

This dark line may appear between the umbilicus (belly-button) and the symphysis pubis (pubic bone); in some pregnant women it may extend as high as the sternum (the bone between the breasts). It is a hormone-induced excess production of brown material (pigment) in the skin cells in this area. After delivery, the line begins to fade, though it may never completely disappear.