Other Skin Conditions: Moles, Birthmarks, Dryness, Etc. / Question
Published: June 11, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Why do I have a dark line from my bellybutton down?
Signed: Why Do I Have a Dark Line From My Bellybutton Down?
Dear Why Do I Have a Dark Line From My Bellybutton Down?,
This dark line you are referring to may be the very normal appearance of faint pubic hair especially obvious on people with darker or more olive skin complexions. The other possibility is the appearance of something called "linea nigra". Linea nigra is a dark line from the bellybutton down to the top of a woman's pubic hair that is seen in some pregnant women in their latter part of pregnancy.
Pregnancy symptoms differ greatly among women. Some females can be pregnant and go for months feeling perfectly normal while others feel all the symptoms from the beginning.
Some of the common symptoms of pregnancy are:
- Missed period
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating, Nausea, Fatigue
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Frequent urination
- Light headedness .
TeenHealthFX suggests that if you think you are pregnant or had unprotected sex you should call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. If you live in northern New Jersey you could call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment. The health center can test you to determine if you are pregnant. The center can go over your options, which may include, abortion, adoption or keeping the baby. The center can also refer you to the appropriate place like an abortion clinic, adoption agency or an obstetrician. You should be aware that a teen health center could see you without a parent being present or without their permission. These services can be provided on a low or no cost basis.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
In the 
