Nipples during pregnancy are itchy and flaky: causes

With the onset of pregnancy, the body and body of a woman are strongly transformed. So, the load on internal organs increases: the volume of circulating blood increases, the liver and kidneys work in the accelerated mode and so on. Also radically changes the body of the future mother. Her hips are wider, her chest seems bigger. With the passage of time, the tummy begins to appear and subcutaneous fat is deposited on the sides. All this is an absolute norm. Often women may be harassed by new sensations that they have not encountered before. Most expectant mothers note that they have changed their nipples during pregnancy. Is this a pathology? The answer to this question can be found in the article. It is worth saying, what are the reasons that the nipples are scratched during pregnancy and whether it is necessary to somehow fight it.

Mammary glands of a woman

Breasts of the fairer sex are provided for the natural feeding of the child. This organ undergoes some changes during the menstrual cycle. For sure, every woman noticed that before the onset of another bleeding, the skin of the mammary glands becomes more sensitive.

Nipples during pregnancy are undergoing 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 itches. There are several reasons for this. All of them can be divided into natural and pathological. Let's look at each one in detail and find out why the nipples of a breast behave in this way during pregnancy.

Breast Enlargement

Often, women scratch their nipples during pregnancy. The cause of this is the growth and increase in milk lobes. Because of the rapid growth of the skin stretches unevenly. This also 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 gland in advance.

In time, buy new underwear and use softening lotions for the body. Give preference to products made for expectant mothers.

Excretory secretion

Nipples during pregnancy can not only itch, but also becomes irritated. Often the skin on them blushes and peels off. The cause of this symptom is the allocation of a special secret.

If you look attentively at the female breast, you will be able to notice small whiteish pimples on the nape of the nipple. Many women believe that this is a sign of the disease or they start squeezing them out altogether. In fact, this is an absolutely natural structure of the female breast. These pouches 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 released substance lubricates the areola nipple and protects it from overdrying and cracking.

The appearance of colostrum

At many women on last terms of pregnancy the nipples are scratched and are shelled. The reason for this is the abundant separation of the colostrum. Often the problem is faced by already giving birth to women who have well developed milk ducts. The secreted colostrum dries up on the skin of the breast and causes itching and flaking.

All this is an absolutely normal pattern. To reduce the irritation of sensitive skin, take a shower more often. If there is no possibility, wipe the skin with baby wipes. Special absorbent panty liners can also help.

Allergic reaction

If the nipples are scratched and flaky at an early pregnancy, the cause may be an external stimulus. Carefully review your wardrobe. Perhaps you have recently purchased a new underwear? Check his sucker. A similar reaction of the mammary glands can be on synthetics. Also allergy in the form of itching and flaking can be caused by personal hygiene.

During pregnancy, the woman's body becomes more sensitive. He needs special care and care. Acquire special shower gels for expectant mothers. Most often they have a natural composition. Also pay attention to your loofah. If it is very tough, then it is worth buying a new one. Many future mothers use products for children and do not have problems with itching and flaking of the mammary glands.

Pathological processes

If your nipples hurt during pregnancy, then it's worth to inform the doctor about it. In most cases, such a reaction is harmless and easily eliminated. However, there are cases when hormonal restructuring caused the development of pathological processes in the body of a woman. In this case, there are additional symptoms of the disease. They are expressed in a change in the shape of the breast, unusual discharge from the nipples of a greenish, red or gray hue. Also in some cases, the temperature may rise and the general condition of a woman may worsen.

Perhaps the doctor will recommend that you undergo some diagnosis. Most often, an ultrasound is assigned to the breast. It is absolutely safe and does not require any specific training. During the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to determine precisely whether there is a pathology or itching in your body, pain and peeling of the nipples are caused by an individual feature and a new interesting position.

Harbinger of childbirth

Some women suffer from nipples late in life. In pregnancy, this may be an indirect sign of an imminent meeting with the baby. During the onset of labor, the production of oxytocin is increased. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and acts on the muscular muscles of the genital organ. Surely many people know that the womb and breasts of a woman are interrelated. This can be fairly easily seen. 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 fights, but also to changes in the mammary gland. The nipple begins to swell and slightly reddens. So the woman's body prepares for fast breastfeeding. It is worth noting that because of the soreness of the abdomen and lower back during labor, the future mother may not even notice a change in the state of her breasts and nipples.

Summing up the article

You now know how nipples behave during pregnancy. If the skin on the mammary gland began to change, there was itching, burning, pain or peeling, then it's worth to see a doctor. Only the doctor will be able to conduct a thorough examination and determine the true cause of the onset of the symptom. In some cases, doctors recommend using natural oils to soften these areas and safe medications. However, you should not prescribe such a correction yourself. This can lead to unexpected consequences. Watch how the skin of the mammary glands and nipples behave during pregnancy. Look after your body and be beautiful!