Linea nigra

System: Pregnancy & Women's Health Signs · All pregnancy & women's health signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A dark line of skin pigmentation that appears running down the midline of the abdomen, from the pubic bone toward the navel, during pregnancy.

What a positive finding suggests

A normal change associated with pregnancy hormones increasing skin pigmentation.

Browse the L section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.