Are you experiencing black nipples during pregnancy? You are not alone, because in fact this happens to almost every pregnant woman and there is no need to worry, because this is not dangerous.
We know that the main function of the breast is to produce breast milk and breastfeed the baby. On the breast, there are nipples, and areola.
The nipple is located in the center of the breast, and is surrounded by the areola. Each nipple contains milk ducts through which milk flows.
The nipples are supported by small, smooth muscles that respond to signals from the autonomic nervous system to become erect. Nipple erections can be caused by cold temperatures or certain stimuli. Around the nipple is the areola, which is an area of skin that is darker than the rest of the breast.
Areolas may be small or large, round or oval and vary from woman to woman. They have several small bumps that are hair follicles or Montgomery glands, which are sebaceous (oil) glands. They can be red,pink, or chocolate.
During pregnancy, the areola and nipples may darken in color and may enlarge. These changes are believed to help the newborn find the nipple and latch on for breastfeeding. What causes nipples and areola to darken during pregnancy?
Causes of Black Nipples During Pregnancy
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Hormones are the main cause of everything that happens in your body when you are pregnant. To understand the answer to when do nipples darken during pregnancy, you need to know what the effects of hormones are.
During pregnancy, the breasts will prepare to breastfeed the baby when it is born. The hormones estrogen and progesterone help in the creation of the milk duct system.
The nipple is a very important part, because the baby must attach to it to receive breast milk. Thus, not only the breast, but the areola and nipple are also prepared for the breastfeeding process.
The pigment responsible for giving our bodies different colors is called melanin. Melanin is present in various parts of the body, including the skin, hair, and iris of the eye.
Due to the effects of hormones and fluctuations in their levels, melanin production in the skin will increase during pregnancy. This increase in melanin production will tend to be stronger in areas where melanin is already present in higher amounts, such as the areola and nipples.
Sometimes this increase in melanin can cause existing scars or spots to darken as well. You may even notice some new dark spots forming on different areas of your body.
According to research, this change in color to a darker color will make it easier for newborns to see the nipple with their poor eyesight and start breastfeeding.
When Do Nipples Darken?
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The skin of the nipples and areolas may begin to darken around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
However, it is important to note that these skin color changes are very individual. Women with darker hair and darker skin tend to see more color changes than women with fair or light skin.
Is It Normal For Nipples To Darken During Pregnancy?
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There is no need to worry if you find your nipples and areolas appear black or darker during pregnancy. This is normal and common.
Dr SK Wadhwa, a gynecologist from Ashiyana, Uttar Pradesh, India, says that the darkening of the areola is due to the effect of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone which becomes active during pregnancy. This happens to almost 100% of women during pregnancy.
Can Nipple Color Return to Its Original Color?
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Many women wonder whether their nipples and areolas will remain large and dark as they were during pregnancy even after giving birth?
In most cases, your breasts and nipples will return as close to their original color as possible within a few months after giving birth. However, some women may have permanent darkening of the nipples and areolas.
The reason is, the color can depend on each woman’s natural hormone levels, whether it will be permanent or temporary.
Does Nipple Color Indicate the Gender of the Fetus?
There is a gender prediction myth that states that darker nipples than usual could mean you are having a boy.
This is just a myth and has not been scientifically proven. In fact, during pregnancy the placenta will release hormones that regulate skin pigmentation.
You will find that any part of your body, from your nipples to birthmarks or moles, will appear darker due to the extra melanin produced by your body during pregnancy.
So, the color of the nipple or areola does not indicate the sex of the baby.
Treatment for Blackened Nipples
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Dark or black areolas and nipples are a natural part of pregnancy and are generally not considered a cause for concern. The areolas will continue to enlarge and darken throughout pregnancy, usually reaching their largest size by the time of birth.
You may find that the areola color will become lighter after you stop breastfeeding and hormone levels return to normal after giving birth or breastfeeding.
Here are some things you can do to treat darkened areolas and nipples during pregnancy:
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Darkening of the nipples and areolas is caused by excessive melanin pigmentation. Therefore, avoid excessive stimulation of melanin as much as possible to stop darkening.
Sun exposure can cause skin cells to produce more melanin, to protect the skin from UV radiation.
Thus, Moms should take care of your skin when you are outside and exposed to sunlight. It is important to keep your breasts covered if you do not want them to become darker. Do not forget to use sunscreen to keep your skin healthy.
2. Use Cream for Areola or Nipple Area with Doctor’s Permission
There are certain topical lotions and creams available in the market that can treat the darkened areas, and help reduce the concentration of melanin in those areas.
However, it is important to remember that such products consist of different chemicals that react with the skin and its inner layers.
It may be okay to use it if you are not pregnant, but if you are pregnant, you should be more careful before using a lightening lotion or cream. It is better to consult a doctor first because there are certain elements or chemicals that can harm the baby, or can react negatively with overly sensitive breasts.
3. Maintain Mental Health
Darkening of the areola is not only a physical response, but also an emotional one. It is true that the color changes in the areola occur due to fluctuating hormone levels, but those fluctuations can also be caused by emotional health.
If you are experiencing undue stress about your pregnancy, or are exposed to stressful environments, such as a workload at work or a stressful environment at home, this darkening can get worse.
Therefore, avoid stress as much as possible or learn to manage stress better.
Complete your pregnancy with a balanced and nutritious diet, and pamper yourself, Mom. A good mood is very important during pregnancy and affects overall health.
Black Nipples During Pregnancy, Should You See a Doctor?
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Experiencing dark or black nipples and areolas during pregnancy is basically not dangerous. However, mothers must still be aware of several other symptoms that must be considered that indicate a problem with breast health such as the following:
- Redness
- Lump
- Peeling or sore nipples
- Itchy feeling
- Tingling
- White or yellowish fluid comes out
If you experience any or all of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for an examination.
In addition to changing color, pregnancy can cause the skin to stretch.
This condition can cause irritation and cracks in the nipples. Therefore, if you experience problems with your nipples or breasts, consult a doctor immediately.
After the baby is born, breastfeeding can also affect the areola in several ways, especially if the baby is poorly latched on. It is not uncommon for breastfeeding mothers to experience abrasions or other irritations to the areola tissue. In addition, damage to the areola can affect the success and comfort of breastfeeding.
Knowing more about nipple and areola function and potential complications can help you identify problems early and take action to improve your breastfeeding experience and overall breast health.
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Those are some important things that you need to know about nipples that turn blacker during pregnancy. Hopefully, it can answer your curiosity and be useful!
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
