Linea nigra (Latin for "black line"), also known as linea gravidarum, is a linear midline band of macular hyperpigmentation that runs vertically from the pubis to the xiphoid process.
The linea nigra appears because of high levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, which can make some areas of the skin look darker. After pregnancy, the line on the stomach will usually fade within a few weeks.
Linea nigra occurs in pregnancy because your hormones cause your skin to change color. Talk to your healthcare provider if the color of your linea nigra is bothering you to see if they can help. The good news is that your linea nigra should fade after you give birth and your hormones return to regular levels.
They may become less apparent postpartum, but do not usually disappear. Cosmetically bothersome striae can be treated postpartum with tretinoin 0.1% cream with or without topical glycolic acid (up to 20%), with some success. The erythema of striae responds well to pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light treatment.
Several small studies show that laser therapy is one of the best cosmetic treatment options for striae rubrae. Laser therapy targets the blood vessels to increase collagen production and skin elasticity. A typical treatment to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is up to 6 sessions, 4 weeks apart.
It has been postulated that some hormones, like estrogen, relaxin, and adrenocortical hormones, decrease the adhesiveness between collagen fibers and increase ground substance, which results in the formation of striae in areas of stretching.
Striae gravidarum (SG) is a common phenomenon of stretch marks observed during pregnancy that may be an indicator of poor skin elasticity. The type and amount of collagen in connective tissue are considered to determine the individual's elastic index.
Striae gravidarum are common during the first pregnancy [8] and usually present during the third trimester [9]. Striae start as 'reddish slightly depressed streaks' [9] (p. 111) and fade gradually [8] to leave pale wrinkled lines [10], which are permanent skin changes [11, 12] .
Pregnancy stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are a specific form of scarring of the skin of the abdominal area due to rapid expansion of the uterus as well as sudden weight gain during pregnancy. About 90% of pregnant women are affected.
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable.
Vertical lines on the abdomen can occur after pregnancy or weight loss. Unfortunately, the skin doesn't have the elasticity to tighten up on its own. You can remove excess skin from the sides of your abdomen to smooth the central area.
Striae gravidarum are common during the first pregnancy (Salter 2006) and usually present during the third trimester (Atwal 2006; Cunningham 2010). However, there have been reports in women under 24 weeks' gestation and of women first developing them in a second pregnancy (Chang 2004).
If you see a linea nigra, not pregnant or if you are pregnant, know that it comes from the hormone that stimulates melanocytes in your body. A linea nigra measures about a centimeter wide and goes in a vertical line from your belly button to your pubic bone. Some women even have them run all the way up their abdomen.
Because of this, taking multiple tests to check the color of the line is not a reliable means of monitoring the development of early pregnancy. Even though you will likely pass more hCG in your urine as the pregnancy progresses, a home test will not necessarily reveal a darker line hour-by-hour or day-by-day.
A: It doesn't happen to everyone who's pregnant, but sometimes a growing fetus in the uterus puts so much pressure on your abdominal wall that your normally “innie” belly button becomes an “outie.” It typically happens in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, most commonly around 26 weeks.
In general, yes, pregnancy test results should get darker early on as a pregnancy progresses. This is because the pregnancy hormone, hCG, typically doubles every two to three days during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Striae gravidarum (SG) are atrophic linear scars that represent one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy. SG can cause emotional and psychological distress for many women. Research on risk factors, prevention, and management of SG has been often inconclusive.
These marks normally appear during the third trimester of pregnancy and disappear several months after delivery. Striae gravidarum have no adverse health implications though they have negative psychological effects on the affected gravid women.
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Striae atrophicans follow medical conditions, particularly Cushing syndrome/disease, and treatments, usually exogenous topical or systemic corticosteroids [5], or surgery. Other associated diseases are Marfan syndrome[6], anorexia nervosa[7], various febrile illnesses, and chronic liver disease.
When do stretch marks form? While stretch marks generally become visible during the last trimester of pregnancy (around the sixth or seventh month), some women will start to see them forming as soon as their bellies start growing.
The medical name for stretch marks is striae. Stretch marks (striae) result from rapid stretching of the skin which may occur with obesity, pubertal growth spurts, pregnancy, or from other influences such as Cushing syndrome. Stretch marks (striae) can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin.
They are usually benign but may be a source of cosmetic concern to patients. Infrequently, striae may indicate the presence of a more concerning medical condition such as Cushing disease or overuse of systemic or topical corticosteroids.
Genetics plays a role in whether you get stretch marks, and how visible they are. If you have fair skin, they may be more visible. You are more likely to get them if you are a young mum, if you put on a lot of weight quickly during the pregnancy, or if you are expecting multiples.