The area around the nipples is called areolas, and its darkening is one of the early signs of pregnancy. You may be wondering why it becomes dark during pregnancy, and if it does, should you be worried? First, there is nothing to worry about; it is normal and occurs a week or two after conception. Read on if you want to know what causes this early pregnancy symptom and when to consult a doctor.
If you have suddenly noticed that the area around your nipples has darkened, you may be concerned and wondering why they get dark. Like so many other pregnancy side effects and symptoms, darkening areolas during pregnancy are a result of the increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones may increase the pigmentation production in the skin. A few scientists also suggest that the areola's growth and darkening may be an evolutionary process that helps the newborn find the nipple easily and enable latching.
Along with dark areolas, you may also see that the area around it darkens early in pregnancy and resembles a web. This makes the areola look more prominent than before. It is essential to know that there can be other causes for dark areolas that are not related to pregnancy. Some people may see a darkening of nipples due to menstruation or taking oral contraceptives. Another not-so-common reason for it can be Paget's disease, which is a rare type of breast cancer. So it is a good idea to consult your doctor if you have dark areolas.
Dark areolas play an essential role in nursing. So, the changes that start in early pregnancy will remain even after giving birth, especially if you choose to breastfeed your baby. The areola darkens and enlarges throughout pregnancy and is most prominent during childbirth. So, black or dark areolas are a natural and integral part of pregnancy and are not considered a cause for concern, so no medical attention is needed. Many ointments and creams over the counter proclaim skin colour lightening, but you should consult your healthcare provider before using them. These may be unsafe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Notably, the areolas may lighten once your hormone levels become normal after childbirth and you stop breastfeeding. So, if you are pregnant and have dark nipples or areolas, they will go back to the standard colour and size, barring a few exceptions, where they may remain slightly dark compared to pre-pregnancy. To what degree and when the lightning happens varies from woman to woman. Summarising, there is no treatment needed for areolas darkening in early pregnancy as they become normal post-pregnancy.
As mentioned earlier, dark areolas are harmless during pregnancy and do not need any treatment. However, there are a few other signs that you should be aware of, and if you see them, a visit to a healthcare provider is recommended. These symptoms include:
● Peeling
● Flaking
● Lumps
● Redness
● Tingling
● Itching
● Bloody discharge
The breast skin can stretch during pregnancy, leading to nipple fissures and irritation. But if you see the above symptoms, play safe and consult a doctor about your concerns.
At just one week, darkening areola early pregnancy is a pregnancy sign. However, as the pregnancy continues, the skin and the nipples around the areola become dark because of increased hormone production that impacts skin pigmentation. The breast veins may become noticeable as the breast gets more blood supply. A woman's blood volume increases to help the fetus's development.
Montgomery tubercles, or the development of glands on the areola, are among the changes to the nipple and areola. These sebaceous glands become apparent to the eye as they are bumpy and raised to provide lubrication during breastfeeding. This lubrication prevents germs from spreading in breast milk before the baby uses it and prevents nipple irritation. In rare cases, these glands get infected, and medical attention is needed if you experience swelling, redness or pain in and around the nipple. Due to increased breast size, stretch marks may appear during pregnancy.
Breast lumps and cysts filled with milk or fluid may also develop during pregnancy. Fibroadenomas, which may develop breast lobules, are also common and are not cancerous.
Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that are produced in abundance during pregnancy, and enhanced estrogen production results in the production of prolactin (another hormone). Progesterone, another hormone produced in abundance, helps grow milk-producing glands. During the early second trimester, the breasts begin to produce milk, and you may see your nipple lead to a small quantity of fluid called colostrum, referred to as first milk. This is rich in antibodies and nutrients; hence, breastfeeding immediately after birth protects the baby during the initial days of birth. This fluid is yellow initially, but it becomes colourless and pale after birth. During the last stage of pregnancy, the breast and the nipples increase in size as the milk-producing cells become large.
The growing breasts during pregnancy may lead to pain and discomfort, which can be reduced by wearing a good-fitting bra. A well-fitting bra is one:
● Where the breasts snugly fit the cup with no bulging of breasts and leaving no loose material
● Not too tight or loose
● Where the straps do not hurt
● The band at the front and the strap at the back are at the same level, and the band is close to the skin.
● The underwire does not dig into the flesh.
There is a myth that women should not use bras that have an underwire during pregnancy as it can block the milk ducts. But there is no scientific evidence to back this, and as long as the bra is a good fit and does not hurt you, an underwire bra is not an issue. However, pregnant women may find a maternity or soft cup bra more comfortable, especially at night, as it offers extra support. The key is finding a well-fitting bra that prevents discomfort during pregnancy.
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. While you should be watchful, you should not panic if your breasts have dark areolas. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns; asking does not hurt.
Yes. Nipples and the surrounding area darken or turn black during pregnancy due to hormone changes.
Yes. Dark areolas are an early sign of pregnancy.
The area around the areolas begins to darken and resembles a web, which makes the areola look bigger.
No. Nipple changes are not seen before a missed period.
