During pregnancy your body changes on the inside and the outside. In addition to a rapidly growing belly, you may notice some changes on your skin. Lines on your stomach are all part of pregnancy. Linea negra is a dark line that most women get. Stretch marks are lines that come from stretching skin most markedly on the stomach.
Linea Negra
The linea negra is a dark line that extends from your pubic area up and beyond your belly button. Your body normally has this line, though in most women it is not noticeable until you become pregnant. As your skin changes its pigment, which comes naturally during pregnancy, the line may begin to appear.
Causes
An imbalance of hormones causes your skin to change pigment. This can include a darkening of certain areas including your nipples, freckles and linea negra. This is a natural line that is very common and may be darker in some women. This line will go away on its own within the months after giving birth.
Stretch Marks
According to the American Pregnancy Association, 90 percent of pregnant women gain stretch marks during pregnancy. Stretch marks manifest themselves as pink or red lines running down various parts of your abdomen. You may notice stretch marks on other parts of your body that enlarge during pregnancy, such as your breasts.
Causes
To accommodate a growing baby, your skin must stretch and expand. Though it has the capability to do this and the pliability to return to normal after giving birth, it may not go unmarked. Stretch marks are the result of your skin expanding. To reduce stretch marks, you can try applying lotion and keeping the area moisturized. After giving birth, try exercise and a vitamin E lotion to reduce stretch lines.
