With the onset of pregnancy, the body and body of a woman is greatly transformed. So, the load on the internal organs increases: the volume of circulated blood increases, the liver and kidneys work in an accelerated mode, and so on. The body of the future mother is also radically changing. Her hips are wider, her breasts seem larger. Over time, the tummy begins to appear and subcutaneous fat is deposited on the sides. All this is an absolute norm. Often, women may be bothered by new sensations that they have not encountered before. Most expectant mothers say that they have changed nipples during pregnancy. Is this a pathology? You can find the answer to this question in the article. It is worth saying what are the reasons that the nipples itch during pregnancy and whether it is necessary to somehow deal with it.
The mammary glands of a woman
The breast of the fairer sex is provided for the natural feeding of a child. This organ undergoes some changes during the menstrual cycle. Surely every woman noticed that before the onset of another bleeding, the skin of the mammary glands becomes more sensitive.
Nipples during pregnancy undergo more severe changes. They increase in size, can take a new shape and color. All this is not a sign of illness. Any doctor will tell you that the nipples during pregnancy sometimes hurt and itch. There are several reasons for this. All of them can be divided into natural and pathological. Consider each in detail and find out why breast nipples behave in a similar way during pregnancy.
Breast enlargement
Often women have itchy nipples during pregnancy. The reason for this is the proliferation and increase in milk shares. Due to rapid growth, the skin is stretched unevenly. This causes itching. In some cases, after several days of the presence of such a sign, you can find small stretch marks on the chest - striae. Getting rid of them is quite difficult. That is why it is worth taking care of the beauty of the skin on the mammary glands in advance.
Get new underwear on time and use emollient body lotions. Give preference to products made for expectant mothers.
Secretion secretion
Nipples during pregnancy can not only itch, but also become irritated. Often the skin on them blushes and peels. The reason for the appearance of such a symptom is the allocation of a special secret.
If you look at the female breast carefully, you can notice small whitish pimples on the nipple areola. Many women believe that this is a sign of illness or even begin to squeeze them out. In fact, this is an absolutely natural structure of the female breast. These bags contain a special secret, which is released during breastfeeding in large quantities. This function of the female body is intended for the normal organization of lactation. The excreted substance lubricates the areola of the nipple and protects it from overdrying and cracking.
Colostrum
Many women in the last stages of pregnancy nipples itch and peel. The reason for this is the abundant colostrum. Often, women who have given birth, who have well-developed milk ducts, face the problem. The excreted colostrum dries on the skin of the chest and causes itching and peeling.
All this is an absolutely normal pattern. To reduce the irritation of sensitive skin, take a shower more often. If it is not possible to wipe the skin with baby wet wipes. Special absorbent pads for the chest can also help.
Allergic reaction
If the nipples itch and peel early in pregnancy, then an external irritant may be the reason for this. Review your wardrobe carefully. Did you recently purchase new underwear? Check it by sucking. A similar reaction of the mammary glands may be to synthetics. Also, allergies in the form of itching and peeling can cause personal hygiene products.
During pregnancy, the woman’s body becomes more sensitive. He needs special care and care. Get special shower gels designed for expectant mothers. Most often they have a natural composition. Also pay attention to your washcloth. If it is very tough, then you should buy a new one. Many future mothers use goods for children and do not have problems with itching and peeling of the mammary glands.
Pathological processes
If you have sore nipples during pregnancy, you should definitely inform your doctor about it. In most cases, such a reaction is harmless and easily eliminated. However, there are cases when hormonal changes caused the development of pathological processes in the body of a woman. In this case, additional symptoms of the disease appear. They are expressed in a change in the shape of the mammary gland, unusual discharge from the nipples of a greenish, red or gray shade. Also, in some cases, the temperature may rise and the general condition of the woman may worsen.
Your doctor may recommend some diagnosis. Most often, an ultrasound examination of the mammary gland is prescribed. It is absolutely safe and does not require any preparation. During the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to accurately determine whether there is a pathology or itching in your body, pain and peeling of the nipples caused by an individual feature and a new interesting position.
Harbinger of Childbirth
Some women have late nipples. During pregnancy, this may be an indirect sign of an early meeting with the baby. During the onset of labor, oxytocin production increases. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and acts on the muscular muscles of the genital organ. Surely many people know that a woman’s uterus and breast are interconnected. This can be pretty easily verified. Try to stimulate the nipples, and you will receive a response in the form of contractions of the genital organ.
Excess oxytocin leads not only to the appearance of contractions, but also to changes in the mammary gland. The nipple begins to swell and blushes a little. So the woman’s body prepares for early breastfeeding. It is worth noting that due to soreness of the abdomen and lower back during contractions, the expectant mother may not even notice a change in the condition of her breasts and nipples.
Summing up the article
You now know how the nipples behave during pregnancy. If the skin on the mammary gland began to change, itching, burning, pain or peeling appeared, then you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can conduct a thorough examination and determine the true cause of the symptom. In some cases, doctors recommend using natural oils to soften these areas and safe medications. However, you should not independently appoint yourself such a correction. This can lead to unexpected consequences. Watch how breast skin and nipples behave during pregnancy. Take care of your body and be beautiful!