What is the Dark Line on the Belly During Pregnancy?
The dark line on a pregnant woman's stomach actually refers to the pregnancy line, which generally appears between the second and fourth month of pregnancy. The occurrence time can vary depending on the individual's constitution, age, and skin color. However, it typically appears gradually as the belly begins to protrude, and some women may only notice it more prominently in the late stages of pregnancy.
The reason for the appearance of the dark line on a pregnant woman's stomach is mainly due to an imbalance in the secretion of estrogen and androgen during pregnancy, leading to deepened pigmentation and the formation of a pigmented pregnancy line. This line gradually turns into a dark line that extends from the perineum to the navel, and sometimes even reaches the chest. The color of the line can vary, ranging from barely noticeable to very dark, and hair may even grow on it. However, these are all normal occurrences.
The dark line on a pregnant woman's stomach usually disappears within a few months to a year after childbirth. If you are concerned about its aesthetic impact, you can take preventive measures such as using a pregnancy-specific anti-stretch mark lotion or olive oil for massage from the middle of pregnancy to one month postpartum. Applying this once or twice daily can help accelerate the disappearance of the pregnancy line.
Although the pregnancy line may gradually fade after childbirth, some women may have a constitution that makes it difficult for the pigmentation to disappear. In such cases, it may take one or two years postpartum for the line to disappear, and sometimes it may leave some traces. Therefore, it is advisable for women to take preventive measures during the prenatal preparation stage.