Pregnant Rochelle Humes Asks Mums What 'Line' Is On Her Bump, Midwife Explains What It Is | HuffPost Life

We asked a midwife what it is and where it comes from.

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

Rochelle Humes appealed to the internet for advice when she noticed a dark line running down the middle of her pregnant bump.

The 27-year-old, who is already mum to three-year-old Alaia-Mai with her husband Marvin Humes, shared a snap of her bump on Instagram.

“Okay what is this line down my tummy and does it have a purpose?” she wrote in the caption. “Or is it a pointless little trail?”

Mums were quick to comfort the celebrity mum, assuring her it happened to them, too.

“I had this with both my babies,” one mum wrote. “I still have it now and my little lady is almost six months! I don’t want it to fade, every time I look at it, it’s a beautiful reminder of my bump.”

Another wrote: “Aww no don’t worry I had one too - it’s called a linea nigra and it’ll fade after you’ve given birth, it’s like a pigmentation in the skin.”

Michelle Lyne from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) confirmed what it was and told The Huffington Post UK: “It is called the linea nigra (dark line) and runs up the mid line of the abdomen from the pubic bone to above belly button.

“It is where the muscles meet in the abdomen and it is just pigmentation (skin colour change) which happens during pregnancy because of the hormones.

“It has little meaning, we just note it. It normally disappears after the pregnancy.”

Humes announced in November 2016 that she was expecting her second child with Marvin Humes.

The former JLS singer has recently spoken out to praise his wife for being a “trooper” during her second pregnancy.

“She’s done so well, pregnancy is not a joke,” he told Daily Mail on 17 February. “The body needs to go through so much in the period. It’s the most natural experience. This second one has gone a lot faster.

‘You’re a lot more relaxed - sometimes too relaxed. Last time we were organised five months in but we’re still prepping now. She’s done incredibly well and I’m so happy. It’s such a whirlwind time for all women.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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