I've been trying to find the answer to this one on the net and have drawn a blank. Anyone know ideas for the origin, evolutionary reason of the linea negra line? I'm facinated by mine, it is as straight as a die. Has any research been done on it?
2007-02-26 19:12:14 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
A: During pregnancy, the hormone melanin, which tints the skin, is more active than normal. Melanin causes the linea nigra, a brown line that develops on the midline of the abdomen during pregnancy. It can also cause chloasma (also known as the mask of pregnancy), characterized by discoloration on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Women with darker complexions are more prone to developing chloasma. Melanin can also darken other pigmented areas or spots on the body, such as birthmarks and freckles. Most of these pigmented areas will lighten again a few months after delivery, though they may not clear up completely. Stay out of the sun so that these areas don't darken even more. If you can't avoid the sun, wear hats, cover up, and use sunscreen.
2007-02-26 19:17:29 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa ♥'s Tim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The linea negra (which simply means "black line" in Latin) is caused by increases in estrogen and progesterone that occur during pregnancy; those, in turn, increase production of melanin, the skin pigment (those that say it is a hormone are incorrect) that gives each of us our particular skin color. The line (the linea alba, or "white line") is always there, but while you're not pregnant, it's not generally noticable. It will generally fade a few months after your baby is born.
2007-02-26 19:24:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a birth mark that comes with many pregnancies and comes and goes with pregnancy hormones. It is only a birth mark. Cool, eh?
2007-02-26 19:48:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋