Nipples color change during pregnancy
Quirky Questions: Nipple Changes in Pregnancy?
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Jan 5, 2021 By Anh Le
Updated January 5, 2021.
With all the bliss that comes with becoming a new mom, come some pitfalls. You’re ready for the weight gain, stretch marks, nausea, and soreness that come with carrying your future bundle of joy to go away. And still, there’s a lesser known — and less talked about — side effect of pregnancy you might not anticipate: nipple changes.
Fear not. We’re here to help you navigate this curious aspect of pregnancy — what to expect, why it’s happening, and how to deal.
What are some ways your nipples change when you’re pregnant?
For most women, the breasts as a whole will grow larger (increasing in weight by 1-1.5 pounds over the course of your pregnancy), while the nipples will experience changes in size, shape, and sensitivity. Typically, they will get progressively larger and darker and women often notice little bumps on the surface of their nipple area. You should expect your nipples to get progressively darker throughout your pregnancy and be the darkest when your baby is born. Your nipples will also begin to produce and may leak colostrum, a precursor to milk, towards the end of your pregnancy.
Why is this happening?
Hormonal changes, increased breast tissue production, and fat storage play a part in both breast and nipple changes. Much of this occurs as your body prepares to provide nourishment (milk) to your baby.
To accomplish this, milk ducts multiply, milk sacs (alveoli) grow, and blood supply increases in your breasts throughout pregnancy.
And oh, remember those little bumps we mentioned above? Those are enlarging glands, known as Montgomery glands. These glands provide a soothing and antibacterial lubricant to protect the nipples. They also give off a scent that helps the newborn baby find the nipple at birth and initiate breastfeeding.
Is it uncomfortable? How do I alleviate any discomfort?
Usually, most of the discomfort is tenderness from the swollen breast tissue and tends to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Wearing a well-fitted bra (without an underwire) can help to support your growing breasts. A soft, sports cotton bra can provide some comfort at night, as well as prevent rubbing of sensitive nipples, in general.
If your nipples feel dry and sensitive, there are over-the-counter nipple creams that lubricate and help your nipples heal.
Will they go back to normal? Is there anything I can do to make them go back to normal faster?
Everything from genetics, pre-pregnancy breast size and BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, age, and smoking status can affect how quickly you bounce back. For women who don’t choose to breastfeed, the color and size usually go back to normal fairly quickly because your body stops producing hormones. Breastfeeding moms will find that their nipples stay darker, longer, but begin to lighten once they stop.
There are creams to help alleviate discomfort, but be sure not to use any anti-pigmentation creams. The darkening is caused by blood flow, not melanin, and anti-pigmentation creams can cause permanent nipple discoloration.
Is there any point I should contact my health care provider?
While women don’t usually experience problems during pregnancy, post-partum, a skin infection called mastitis can develop.
Mastitis, which is more common in breastfeeding women than non-breastfeeding women, is caused by a clogged duct in the nipple, causing increased inflammation and bacteria to grow. This can result in soreness in an area of the breast, redness, fatigue, and low-grade fever and chills. Warm compresses and continual breastfeeding will usually make it pass on its own, but if your symptoms don’t improve after 24-48 hours, you’ll need to see a provider and get antibiotics.
Additionally, you can treat clogged ducts and therefore, reduce your chances of developing mastitis, by emptying the breasts regularly, staying hydrated, and making sure to rest as best you can. If recurrent clogged ducts are a concern, it can be helpful to discuss this with a lactation specialist or your healthcare provider as well.
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Early Pregnancy Signs: Black or Darkening Areolas
If you’ve noticed enlarged or dark areolas (the area around your nipples), you may be witnessing one of the first signs of pregnancy. But why does this happen? And should you be concerned? The good news is that this is usually completely normal and can occur as early as a week or two after conception. Want to get the scoop on this surprising early pregnancy symptom? Read on to find out more about the causes of dark areolas—and when to seek medical attention.
In this article:
Causes of dark areola
Treatment for dark areolas
When to see a doctor
Causes of Dark Areolas
If you’ve suddenly realized that your areolas are looking different, you might feel concerned or confused. So what are the causes of dark areolas? Like many pregnancy symptoms and side-effects, dark or black areolas are most likely a result of your rising levels of hormones—namely, estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones may increase the production of pigment in your skin.
“Some scientists believe there may have been an evolutionary purpose for the growth and darkening of the areolas, which was to help the newborn baby find the nipple easier and facilitate latching,” explains Temeka Zore, MD, a California-based ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist with Spring Fertility in San Francisco.
It’s also not just dark areolas that you might begin to see in early pregnancy—the area immediately surrounding your areolas may begin to darken as well, almost resembling a web, which can make the areola look even bigger, says Sara Twogood, MD, an ob-gyn at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Some women may also notice bumps (resembling goose-bumps) pop up on the perimeter of their areolas. These are called Montgomery tubercles, sometimes also called Morgagni tubercles, and they become more visible during pregnancy and breastfeeding because your breasts get larger, Twogood says. Those Montgomery tubercles are your friends! They help lubricate your nipples, which will be welcome when baby latches on to nurse. “Their purpose is to secrete oil during breastfeeding to decrease bacteria transfer to the baby,” Zore explains, “and to provide lubrication to your areola and nipples, which may become cracked or dry during breastfeeding.”
It’s important to know that there are a few other causes of dark areolas that have nothing to do with pregnancy. Some people experience darkening nipples as a result of taking certain oral contraceptives or during menstruation. It’s not common, but this could also be a sign of Paget’s disease, a rare form of breast cancer. It never hurts to reach out to your doctor if you experience darkening nipples or any other troubling symptoms.
Treatment for Dark Areolas
Because dark areolas may play a role in nursing, these changes often remain after giving birth, especially for women who choose to breastfeed. “The areola will continue to enlarge and darken throughout pregnancy, usually reaching their largest size at the time of birth,” Zore explains. “If you choose to breastfeed, your areolas will likely remain bigger and darker during breastfeeding.”
Suffice it to say: dark or black areolas are a natural part of pregnancy and aren’t generally considered a cause of concern—so there’s really no need to take medical action. While there are creams and ointments on the market that claim to lighten skin color, you shouldn’t try them without consulting your doctor first. They may not be safe for use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.
What’s more, you may find that your areolas will lighten once you stop breastfeeding and your hormone levels return to normal. If the change bothers you, rest assured that your dark areolas and nipples will more or less go back to their normal size and color, Zore says, although it’s not unusual for the areolas to stay slightly darker than they were pre-pregnancy.
When it’ll happen and to what degree will vary for each woman.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, having dark or black areolas is harmless, but there are some additional symptoms to be aware of; if you experience any of the following, consult your doctor:
- Redness
- Lumps
- Flaking
- Peeling
- Itchiness
- Tingling
- Bloody or yellow discharge
Pregnancy can cause the skin to stretch, creating irritation and nipple fissures. But it’s always best to play it safe and seek out a doctor’s opinion about any nipple or breast concerns. And if you’re breastfeeding? The questions and complaints are probably just getting started! (Don’t worry, after the first few days and weeks, you’ll get the hang of it and the majority of your discomfort should subside.)
Remember, your body is going through a lot of changes, and hormones can do quite a number on you, so don’t panic if you notice your nipples suddenly have dark or black areolas—just be proactive and talk to your OB or midwife.
It never hurts to ask questions or discuss concerns.
About the experts:
Sara Twogood, MD, an ob-gyn at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She’s also the author of Ladypartsblog.com, a site that covers topics relating to fertility and pregnancy. She received her medical degree from Albany Medical College.
Temeka Zore, MD, a California-based ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist with Spring Fertility in San Francisco. She earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
What to Do About Early Pregnancy Cramps
Top 12 Benefits of Breastfeeding
10 Best Nipple Creams for Nursing Moms
Color of nipples during pregnancy
Color of nipples during pregnancy
One of the main symptoms that worries expectant mothers is the color of nipples during pregnancy.
Being among the first signs of expectation of a child, areola pigmentation brings a lot of frustration to most young women. Worries about the fact that the old color will no longer return are unfounded. And there is a lot of evidence for that.
Do not despair if the color of the nipples has changed during pregnancy. This phenomenon is natural and does not pose any danger. During pregnancy, the entire body of a woman is rebuilt, and the mammary gland is one of the main organs that undergo significant transformations that will definitely take place in the postpartum period.
The color of the nipples in pregnant women: visible changes
How many of the fair sex get nervous and upset as soon as they notice the slightest changes in their body. Surprisingly, extra pounds and breast enlargement are not as sad as changing the color of the nipples during pregnancy. Habitual skin tones begin to change dramatically. They don't know how to deal with it. And this is not what you need to do.
It is worth enjoying your condition, and various changes will pass by themselves at the right time.
The change in the color of the nipples during pregnancy in most women begins 15-20 days after the fertilization of the egg. This is one of the first signs of an interesting state. Areola and nipple darken gradually. Every month the shade becomes more saturated. The tone of the nipples will depend on which of the melanin compounds prevails in the production of melanocytes.
With an abundance of eumelanin, the color of the areola and nipple will become dark brown by the end of pregnancy. Although, the areola often retains a lighter shade. This is due to the fact that it is greatly stretched in the process of breast augmentation. Of the usual 25 mm in diameter, it can even reach 70 mm. Despite the fact that the nipple also increases, the intensity of its color remains the same. In addition, Montgomery tubercles appear along its perimeter, taking some of the pigment onto themselves and enhancing the shade of brown.
In light-skinned women, the main component responsible for the production of color is pheomelanin. In their case, the change in the color of the nipples during pregnancy will acquire a red tint. Almost always, such women had light and beige shades of the areola and nipples before the fertilization of the egg. Therefore, reddish pigmentation looks quite frightening on their skin and is a cause for concern.
Depending on how sensitive a woman's body is to the production of a large amount of hormones, pigmentation also depends. With hypersensitivity, the color intensity is very high. For the fair sex with a low threshold for exposure to hormonal disruptions, a change in the color of the nipples during pregnancy may not occur. The only thing they will notice is an increase in areolas and swelling and pain of the nipples, but immediately before childbirth, or vice versa - at the beginning of pregnancy.
What color are the nipples during pregnancy
Everyone knows that the color of the nipples changes during pregnancy in most women.
Differences exist only in the intensity and time of manifestation of increased pigmentation. For some, already the third week of pregnancy is due to a change in shades, while for others, the changes occur gradually and almost imperceptibly. Although a slight change in color brightness appears in almost everyone and depends on the predominant pigment. The atmosphere of a real casino https://vulcan-russia-online.com/ in our reliable establishment.
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Medela's experts explain how breasts change from the start of pregnancy to the end of breastfeeding, and share tips for breast care throughout this period.
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From the moment of conception, your body begins to prepare for the birth of your baby.
This applies not only to the uterus - the anatomy of the breast also changes radically. This article will tell you what to expect in each trimester, during and after breastfeeding.
First trimester breast changes
Early in pregnancy, many women notice changes in their breasts. Moreover, often they become the first signs of pregnancy. Fluctuations in hormone levels and changes in the structure of the mammary glands can cause increased sensitivity and soreness of the nipples and breasts as early as the third or fourth week. For some pregnant women, breast tenderness persists until childbirth, but for most it goes away after the first trimester.
“Sometimes during pregnancy, breasts grow very quickly in the first weeks, and sometimes their size increases gradually,” says Dr. Jacqueline Kent, a leading lactation specialist at the University of Western Australia. “All women are different. For some, breast size may not change much until childbirth or even after them.
In general, we can say that by the time the milk arrives, the breast will most likely become one and a half times larger than before pregnancy! 1
As soon as your regular bras start to feel tight (usually around 12 weeks), it's time to buy a maternity bra. The most comfortable, according to many women, are seamless models with wide straps made of soft, breathable fabric. It is best to avoid underwired bras as they can put pressure on the developing milk ducts.
It is important to take your measurements correctly in order to find the right bra with a good fit. Take measurements every couple of months, as you may need a different size bra as your baby grows and your breasts get bigger.
Breast changes in the second trimester
From about the 15th week of pregnancy, newly formed cells that produce milk are activated in the breast, and by about the 22nd week, milk production starts. 1 But don't worry - most of this milk will be absorbed by the body without going out, as pregnancy hormones prevent it from being overproduced or excreted.
“During the second trimester, you may notice that the nipples and areolas (the area of skin around the nipples) become darker and larger,” says Dr. Daniel Prime, Medical Research Associate at Medela. tubercles - the so-called glands of Montgomery. They secrete oil that moisturizes the nipples and will protect them from inflammation and infection when you start to feed. Scientists believe that the smell of this fat is similar to the smell of amniotic fluid and helps the newborn baby find the nipple.” 2
Do not use harsh soap for breast hygiene and do not rub hard with a towel as this can damage this natural lubricant. Just wash your breasts with warm water and pat dry. And if someone tells you to pinch or rub your nipples to prepare them for breastfeeding, don't listen to them!
If you have flat or inverted nipples, your pregnancy is over 32 weeks, and your pregnancy is normal, you can try inserting special nipple formers* into your bra in consultation with your doctor.
They help to gently pull out the nipples so that it is easier for the newborn to grasp them. Consult your healthcare professional or read our article on flat and inverted nipples to learn more.
If breast size increases dramatically during pregnancy, breast skin may itch and stretch marks may appear on it. A good moisturizer can help soothe itching. The appearance of stretch marks usually depends on genetics and skin type. If you have a predisposition to stretch marks, it is unlikely that you will be able to prevent them, but, fortunately, over time they will become lighter and less noticeable.
Breast changes in the third trimester
In the last trimester, you may again experience soreness and heaviness in your chest. A sleep bra will keep you comfortable at night, while a supportive sports bra will help you avoid soreness and ligament damage during exercise.
Don't forget to buy a pair of nursing bras one month before your baby is born. If possible, consult a specialist in the store or study the online guide to select the appropriate model and size.
Every woman is different, but usually cups of a nursing bra are chosen one or two sizes larger than before pregnancy. The underbust girth may also increase as the ribcage expands to provide enough room for the baby. The sales assistant should choose the size of your bra, taking into account the appearance of milk after childbirth. Models with fasteners that can be unfastened with one hand make it easier to attach the baby to the breast.
Surprising but true: milk appears in the breast even before the baby is born. This is why your nipples may start to produce some colostrum (the first breast milk), which will be quite thick and sticky. Sometimes this happens as early as 14 weeks, but more often it still happens in late pregnancy. To avoid the appearance of stains and smudges on clothes, you can use special bra pads.
“If you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor may advise you to manually express some colostrum and freeze it. A recent study showed that after the 36th week it is quite safe if the pregnancy does not have other complications, 3 , says Dr.
Prime, “Storing colostrum can come in handy because babies with diabetic mothers are at higher risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and frequent colostrum feeding is the best remedy. . However, be prepared for the fact that there will be very little colostrum. You may only be able to express a few drops at first, and that’s perfectly fine.”
What happens to the breast after childbirth
Approximately two to four days after the baby is born (sometimes later if there was a caesarean section or a traumatic delivery), you will feel your breasts becoming heavier and firmer - this means that the milk has come. 4
“This fullness in the breasts is not only due to excessive milk production – there is also an increase in the amount of blood circulating around the breasts and the volume of lymphatic fluid,” explains Dr. Prime, “All this is the result of a gradual decrease in the level of pregnancy hormones that began after the birth of a child and which allows the hormones responsible for the production of milk to enter into work.
During this period, you may experience soreness and discomfort in your breasts, a condition called breast swelling. This is quite common and usually resolves after a few days, during which time breastfeeding must continue. Read on for our tips on how to relieve swelling and discomfort, and if the problem persists, see a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
What happens to the breast during lactation
For about the first three months of breastfeeding, your breasts are likely to fill up a lot before feeding. Over time, you may notice that your breasts become less full, but this does not mean at all that your milk production has decreased. If you are breastfeeding your baby exclusively and on demand, and at the same time he is growing well, then everything is in order with the amount of milk.
“Be prepared for the fact that after six months of breastfeeding, your breast size will begin to decrease,” Dr. Kent explains, “This is not a sign that your body is producing less milk.
Most likely, the amount of adipose tissue in the breast simply decreased. By the time your baby is 15 months old, your breasts may be back to their pre-pregnancy size, but not smaller. However, whether you continue breastfeeding or not, you may still produce 100 to 300 ml of milk per day.”
This may be due to the start of more efficient milk production after six months of breastfeeding, which, according to Dr. Kent's research, may be the result of a redistribution of breast tissue. 5
How your breasts change after you stop breastfeeding
When you finally stop breastfeeding—whether it's three weeks, three months, or three years—the breast changes associated with lactation go away. “After the complete cessation of breastfeeding, the breasts, as a rule, return to the size that they were before pregnancy. This usually happens in about three months, and for someone else while breastfeeding,” Dr. Kent explains, “If you get pregnant again, the whole process starts all over again.
”
Literature
1 Cox DB et al. Breast growth and the urinary excretion of lactose during human pregnancy and early lactation: endocrine relationship. Exp Physiol . 1999;84(2):421-434. - Cox D.B. et al., "Breast growth and urinary lactose excretion during pregnancy and lactation: an endocrine relationship." Exp Physiol. 1999;84(2):421-434.
2 Doucet S et al. The secretion of areolar (Montgomery’s) glands from lactating women elicits selective, unconditional responses in neonates.PLoS One . 2009;4(10): e 7579. - Doucet S. et al., "Papillary circle gland secretion (Montgomery's glands) in lactating women induces a selective unconditioned response in the newborn." PLOS One. 2009;4(10):e7579.
3 Forster DA et al. Advising women with diabetes in pregnancy to express breastmilk in late pregnancy (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing [DAME]): a multicentre, unblinded, randomized controlled trial.
