Generality
The nipples during pregnancy undergo a series of modifications due to the adaptation and preparation of the body in anticipation of the birth of the child.
The changes that occur in the breast and nipples are due to changes in hormone levels that typically occur during this phase of a woman's life. However, it is good to specify that - although the transformations are analogous in each future mother - they can manifest themselves in a more or less evident way. Therefore, it is not said that the breast and nipples of a pregnant woman undergo modifications in the same way and / or with the same timing as those of another pregnant woman.
Short Anatomical Review: Female Breasts and Nipples
Before analyzing what changes can occur and the main characteristics taken by nipples during pregnancy, a small revision of the anatomy of the woman's breast may be useful.
The female breast is made up of different components, among which we recall:
- Nipple : it is the outlet point of the galactophore ducts from which the milk produced by the glandular component comes out. It can be considered as the external apex of the breast.
- Areola : it is the portion of skin that surrounds the nipple, contains the Montgomery glands and is hyperpigmented (dark pink / brown) compared to the surrounding skin.
- Glandular component : the mammary glands (lobules) are found in the inner part of the breast and include groups of alveoli deputed to the secretion of the maternal milk after stimulation by the hormone prolactin.
- Galactophore ducts : they carry the milk produced by the lobules to the nipple.
- Adipose tissue : fills the space between the lobules and the galactophore ducts.
For more information, also read the article: Nipples - Structure, Functions and Diseases.
Breast changes
How do breasts and nipples change in pregnancy?
As with many other areas of the body, breasts and nipples also undergo different transformations during pregnancy. These changes are due to the increase in the production of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), whose task is precisely to "prepare" and modify the woman's body so that the pregnancy - and the subsequent breastfeeding - can proceed and take place in the way correct.
The changes in the future mother's body begin as early as the first trimester, but in most cases they tend to manifest more prominently only towards the beginning and during the second trimester. In detail we see:
- An increase in the size of the breast as a whole . More precisely, there is a simultaneous increase in adipose tissue, in the development of the alveoli secreting the mother's milk (operated above all by progesterone), in the development of the galactophore ducts and their ramifications (operated above all by estrogens). The female hormones, therefore, induce hypertrophic changes of the breast but, at the same time, inhibit the production of milk which will instead be stimulated by the appropriate deputed hormone, namely prolactin.
- An increase in the size of the nipples and areola, which is associated with a darkening of the same due to an increase in skin pigmentation.
- Increased blood circulation both at the level of the nipples and areola, and at the level of the breast as a whole. Not surprisingly, during pregnancy it is possible to notice that the blood vessels located on the entire breast become more marked and evident.
- Nipple protrusion . With the increase in the size of the areola and nipples during pregnancy, it is not uncommon for these to become more pronounced and tend to protrude outwards in a more accentuated manner than usual.
- Appearance and / or accentuation of the Montgomery tubercles .
These changes in the structure of the breast and nipples in pregnancy occur in all women, however, they do not manifest themselves with the same evidence in each of them. For example, similar changes are more likely to be noticed in women with a first pregnancy or a smaller breast size; on the contrary, mothers who have already had children or large breasts may not notice the aforementioned changes so clearly.
At the end of pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding, the nipples and the areola could both return to the initial size, and maintain the appearance acquired during gestation. As for the pigmentation, instead, usually the nipples and the areola return to take on the original coloration once the breastfeeding is finished.
Associated symptoms
Symptoms and Disorders Associated with Breast Changes and Nipples in Pregnancy
However, the increase in breast and nipple size during pregnancy represents a completely natural change and, indeed, necessary in anticipation of the baby's nourishment, it can give rise to symptoms, small annoyances or disorders of a more or less mild magnitude. In particular, it is possible that it occurs:
- An increase in the sensitivity of both the nipples and the whole breast that appears more tender.
- Hypersensitivity of the nipple to cold temperatures .
- Hardening and pain of the nipples .
- Tingling, heaviness, feeling of tension and / or breast pain . Some women even report experiencing a burning sensation .
- Loss of colostrum from the nipple . The leakage of this liquid from the nipple could also occur before the baby is born. Although - within certain limits - it is a condition considered normal, should it occur, it is a good idea to immediately inform your doctor and / or your gynecologist.
- Itching and dryness of the skin of the nipples, areolas and breast in general. In such a circumstance, it may be useful to apply moisturizers or oils specially formulated for this delicate body area. The use of similar products - in addition to giving relief from the symptoms mentioned above - can be useful to prevent, or at least limit, the formation of stretch marks caused by the expansion of the breast.
- Development of rashes under the breast . This unpleasant event develops especially in the summer months due to the sweat and rubbing of the breasts with the underlying skin and / or the bra. In such a situation, it is necessary to contact your doctor who will be able to provide all the necessary information.
Again, these are symptoms and discomforts that do not necessarily appear in all pregnant women. Some may show them all, others may show only a few, while in other future mothers they may not show at all. In fact, pregnancy and the changes it involves are different from woman to woman and are difficult to predict.
Useful Tips
Useful Tips for the Care of the Breast and Nipples in Pregnancy
As we have seen, the nipples during pregnancy - as well as the whole breast as a whole - undergo a series of modifications and changes that, sometimes, can lead to the appearance of uncomfortable and unfortunately unavoidable symptoms and sensations. To try to alleviate the unpleasant sensations that can occur, it may be useful to take some small steps:
- Choose a bra suitable for your breast, taking care to change it as the size of the breast increases. Available on the market are bras specifically designed for pregnant and / or nursing women. In this regard, we recall that - in order to guarantee maximum comfort to the expectant mother - a good bra for pregnant or breast-feeding women should be:
- Made of natural and breathable fiber;
- Be soft and do not compress the breast;
- Being without a wire;
- Be equipped with an adequate support in the lower part of the cups, so as to adequately support the breast;
- Be preferably seamless.
- Choose bras and dresses (if you decide not to wear this item of underwear) that are soft and made from natural fibers (such as, for example, cotton).
- In the event of leakage of colostrum, use the special shock absorbing cups (the same ones that are used during the breastfeeding phase) to avoid soiling underwear and clothes.
- Cleanse the breast with delicate products, even better if hypoallergenic, especially if symptoms such as itching, dryness, burning, etc. are present. Furthermore, after cleaning, the area should be dried by dabbing and not rubbing. In the presence of dry skin, however, it is good to use oils or moisturizers specially formulated for this kind of use. If in doubt about the product to be used, you can ask for information from your pharmacist or doctor.
- In case of hardening and pain of the nipples during pregnancy, some women find it beneficial to gently massage this portion of the breast. However, given the high sensitivity that this area of the breast acquires during gestation, not all pregnant women like this type of "treatment".
The aforementioned measures are generally useful to the majority of future mothers. However, as well as the symptoms and discomforts arising from the modification of the breast and nipples during pregnancy can vary, at the same time, even useful advice to alleviate them can be differently effective in each woman.
