Peeling nipples during pregnancy. Breastfeeding with cracked nipples: prevention and treatment of cracks

With the onset of pregnancy, the body and body of a woman are greatly transformed. Thus, the burden on internal organs: the volume of circulating blood increases, the liver and kidneys work in an accelerated mode, and so on. The body of the expectant mother is also radically changing. Her hips become 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 disturbed by new sensations that they have not encountered before. Most expectant mothers note that their nipples have changed during pregnancy. Is it a pathology? Answer to this question you can find in the article. It is worth saying what are the reasons that during pregnancy and whether it is necessary to somehow deal with it.

Mammary glands of a woman

The breast of the fairer sex is provided for the natural feeding of the 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 new form and coloration. All this is not a sign of illness. Any doctor will tell you that nipples during pregnancy sometimes hurt and itch. There are several reasons for this. All of them can be divided into natural and pathological. Let's take a closer look at each and find out why nipples behave in this way.

Breast enlargement

Often women have itchy nipples during pregnancy. The reason for this is the growth and increase in the milk lobes. Due to rapid growth, the skin is stretched unevenly. This is what causes itching. In some cases, after a few days of the presence of such a symptom, you may 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.

Buy new underwear in a timely manner and use softening body lotions. Give preference to products made for expectant mothers.

Isolation of an irritating secret

Nipples during pregnancy can not only itch, but also become irritated. Often the skin on them turns red and peels off. The reason for the appearance of such a symptom is the release of a special secret.

If you look closely at the female breast, you can notice small whitish pimples on the areola of the nipple. 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 pouches contain a special secret that is released during breastfeeding. in large numbers. This function of the female body is designed for the normal organization of lactation. The secreted substance lubricates the areola of the nipple and protects it from overdrying and cracking.

The appearance of colostrum

Many women in the last stages of pregnancy itch and peel off the nipples. The reason for this is the abundant separation of colostrum. Often, women who have already given birth, who have well-developed milk ducts, face a problem. The secreted colostrum dries up on the breast skin and causes itching and flaking.

All this is absolutely normal. To reduce irritation of sensitive skin, shower more often. If possible, wipe the skin with baby wipes. Special absorbent breast pads can also help.

Allergic reaction

If itchy and flaky nipples on early term pregnancy, an external stimulus may be the cause. Take a close look at your wardrobe. Have you recently purchased new underwear? Check it out sucking. A similar reaction of the mammary glands can be on synthetics. Also, allergies in the form of itching and peeling can be caused by means

During pregnancy, a woman's body becomes more sensitive. He needs special care and attention. Purchase special shower gels designed for expectant mothers. Most often they have natural composition. Also pay attention to your washcloth. If it is very hard, 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 are pregnant, be sure to tell 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 a woman's body. At the same time, there appear additional symptoms illness. They are expressed in a change in the shape of the mammary gland, an unusual greenish, red or gray hue. Also, in some cases, the temperature may rise and the general condition of the woman worsen.

Your doctor may recommend that you undergo some diagnostics. Most often, an ultrasound examination of the breast is prescribed. It is absolutely safe and does not require any special preparation. During the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to accurately determine whether there is pathology or itching in your body, pain and peeling of the nipples are caused by an individual feature and a new interesting situation.

harbinger of childbirth

Some women have later dates sore nipples. During pregnancy, this may be an indirect sign of an early meeting with the baby. During the onset of labor, the production of oxytocin increases. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and acts on the muscular musculature of the reproductive organ. Surely many people know that the uterus and breasts of a woman are interconnected. This can be seen fairly easily. Try to stimulate the nipples, and you will get a response in the form of contractions of the reproductive organ.

An excess of oxytocin leads not only to the appearance of contractions, but also to changes in the mammary gland. The nipple begins to swell and turns a little red. So the woman's body prepares for early breastfeeding. It is worth noting that due to pain in the abdomen and lower back during contractions future mom may not even notice a change in the condition 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, itching, burning, pain or peeling appeared, then you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can conduct a thorough examination and determine true reason occurrence of a symptom. In some cases, doctors recommend the use of 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. Take care of your body and be beautiful!

During pregnancy, the female body undergoes major changes. This period is very responsible and important, because now all the organs and systems of the expectant mother work for two. Many women notice already in the first weeks that engorgement of the mammary glands begins, discharge from the nipples appears. The chest becomes so sensitive that it is unpleasant to touch it, and even clothing causes discomfort.

During this crucial period, a woman undergoes a serious hormonal restructuring, and peeling of the nipples is often observed. As a result of breast enlargement, the skin may itch. Also, almost all expectant mothers have darkening of the nipples, the appearance of age spots on the skin of the face and abdomen.

What causes peeling nipples during pregnancy

Some women complain of dryness and peeling of the nipples and areola during pregnancy. Why is this happening? Such a phenomenon is not considered a pathology during the period of bearing a baby. Usually, irritation and flaking in this sensitive area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe breast occurs as a result of a released secret. Sometimes small blisters may form on the areola of the nipples. white color.
This is not a pathology, but a normal phenomenon, since this secret is contained precisely in such small formations. Thanks to these secretions, the nipple area is lubricated and protected from cracks and dryness.

Peel off during the last trimester of pregnancy, the nipples can be as a result of colostrum released. More often this occurs in women who have given birth before, since the ducts of the mammary glands have already been developed. Why does irritation occur?

The thing is that the fluid released from the ducts dries up on the skin, which causes itching and irritation, as well as peeling of the nipples. Regular washing of the mammary glands usually helps to reduce discomfort. warm water and preferably without soap. Soap, even if it is unscented, can aggravate the dryness of the areola. If there is no opportunity for frequent showering, you can use wet wipes with moisturizing and softening ingredients.

Since during pregnancy not only engorgement of the mammary glands occurs, but also an increase in the sensitivity of the skin, women may experience allergic reactions even to underwear. Especially if the bra is made of synthetic fabric. In this case, you should choose cotton underwear.

A tight bra can also irritate the areola area, so for the period of pregnancy it is better to choose a loose one that does not pinch the breast. The straps should be adjustable as engorgement and enlargement of the mammary glands can occur all the time.

Do not forget that even soap or shower gels used before pregnancy during this period can cause allergies and irritation of the skin. When carrying a baby, it is best to choose high-quality baby soap without fragrances. Breast hygiene is very important because the colostrum secreted during lactation preparation can irritate the skin.

Breast skin care

Engorgement of the areola and mammary glands during pregnancy can cause pain, which usually disappears by the second trimester. But the dryness of the areola can continue throughout this period. Why is breast skin care so important?

It is imperative to take care of the skin of the breast, since drying out can cause cracks during feeding of the baby. It is because of the cracks that form in the nipple that inflammation can occur - mastitis. This phenomenon develops as a result of infection in the milk ducts.

Not always a woman, especially who has not given birth before, understands that an inflammatory process develops in the mammary gland. Usually, a young mother notices this already when there is a strong engorgement of the breast area, a change in skin color, which becomes hot. With the development of mastitis, a woman experiences severe malaise with chills, fever, and weakness. In the absence of experience and in case of untimely access to doctors, purulent mastitis develops, which is treated only surgically. The importance of attentive attitude to one's health increases precisely in the period after childbirth, since for the baby and the whole family, the absence of a mother for the period of being in a hospital often turns into big problems.

Breast skin should be prepared already during pregnancy. To do this, two or three times daily, you need to lubricate it with sea buckthorn or other natural oils. With already existing dryness during pregnancy, you can use Panthenol or Bepanten ointment or cream. These drugs are considered harmless and rarely cause any unpleasant reactions. Such an ointment can be smeared on the nipple after childbirth, when cracks have already appeared.

Oils and special creams also help prevent the formation of stretch marks on the skin of the breast, which increases dramatically in pregnant women. Do not forget that in the first days after the arrival of milk, the mammary glands often become even more voluminous, which can also lead to the formation of stretch marks.

When is an examination required?

If a pregnant woman has not only such phenomena as engorgement of the mammary glands, increased sensitivity, but also a change in the skin of only one breast, the appearance of blood discharge from the ducts or with an admixture of purulent fluid, an examination should be carried out. Mammologist deals with problems of the mammary glands.

As a rule, the specialist conducts not only an external examination of the breast, but also prescribes ultrasound and other methods. Sometimes it is required to study the composition of the secreted fluid from the ducts.

As mentioned above, the reason for an urgent visit to the doctor should be those cases when the pain in one of the lobes of the glands increases, the body temperature rises. Despite the fact that lactating women are more likely to get sick with mastitis, inflammation in the mammary gland in rare cases can also occur in pregnant women. If mastitis has taken a purulent form, in this case it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. The surgeon, after special training, opens the abscess, cleans the affected area and installs a drainage system that helps the outflow of purulent fluid. As a rule, after such an operation, a course of antibacterial drugs injected into the body is required.

Irritation and dryness of the skin of the breast and peripapillary zone is observed in pregnant women very often. This is due not only to changes in hormone levels, but also to deficiencies of vitamins A, E, B. It is very important to take care of the mammary glands during the period of bearing a child, because dryness can cause cracks in the nipple, which will lead to great difficulties in feeding the baby, and sometimes to inflammation.

A pregnant woman should include in her diet vegetable oils, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, herbs, dairy products. Useful material, coming with food, will help give birth to a strong and healthy baby and prevent problems in the health of a young mother. If necessary, and on the advice of an obstetrician-gynecologist, you can drink courses of multivitamin preparations for pregnant and lactating women.

From the moment of fertilization of the egg and its attachment in the uterine cavity, hormonal changes begin in the woman's body, which will help maintain the pregnancy and its successful development. The hormones released before change their concentration (progesterone and estrogen are produced more actively), which is expressed in different manifestations. One of the first to respond to hormonal changes is the breast. Very often, it is precisely the nipples that prompt a woman to think about the conception that has probably taken place.

The breast begins to respond to pregnancy already from 10-14 days after conception, that is, almost immediately after implantation of the egg. Moreover, both the breasts in general and the nipples in particular change. And this process continues throughout the entire period of bearing the baby.

How do nipples change during pregnancy:

- increased sensitivity of the nipples during pregnancy

One of the most is to increase the sensitivity of the nipples. This feeling begins to simply irritate the woman: any touch on the nipple causes not only discomfort, but also enrages. Meanwhile, in many women, the nipples become hypersensitive before each menstruation, so often at this stage they are still unaware of anything, regarding this symptom as a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome.

But when you are already aware that you are pregnant, and your nipples hurt when pressed or touched, it is better to immediately change to the easiest and most comfortable bra. The cup should be perfectly even and smooth - without seams and decorative elements that irritate the nipples. Some doctors recommend putting pieces of coarse tissue in the cups, which will prepare the breast for future feeding, and at the same time reduce their sensitivity and soreness.

Air baths will also have a beneficial effect on the chest and reduce soreness. Yes, and my husband will be pleased, what can I say. By the way, the nipples become hypersensitive for a reason: this is how they protect the breasts from unnecessary stimulation now, which can lead to the release of the hormone oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions.

- swelling of the nipples during pregnancy

During the entire pregnancy, the breast noticeably increases in size and becomes heavier by 2-3 times. Naturally, nipples swell along with it. All this is due to the activity of hormones. The nipple increases, becomes more elongated and embossed. Many women are upset by such changes, but men really like it.

- darkening of the nipples during pregnancy

That's when you can really suspect that you are pregnant, this is when pigmentation begins to intensify. The first signs of pregnancy include darkening of the nipples and areolas. This does not happen to all women, but often the nipples become noticeably darker and even completely change their color.

By the way, similar changes can affect and. But the nipples are, of course, easier to notice.

- Montgomery tubercles during pregnancy

Often, from the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman notices the appearance of small pimples around the nipples. These are the tubercles of Montgomery, which are more correctly called glands. They are present in the areolas of the nipples of every woman, but become especially noticeable during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

The number of Montgomery's glands can be very different - from a few pieces to multiple points around the nipple. But most often during pregnancy there are about 12 on each nipple. It is believed that the more tubercles, the more milk a woman will have.

Montgomery's tubercles are vestigial glands. It is not at all necessary that they will manifest themselves during pregnancy, although it happens that they act from the very first days. In most cases, these glands are hidden after breastfeeding is stopped, although they often remain on the nipples. Don't worry about it - there's nothing wrong with that.

- secretion of colostrum during pregnancy

Already from the second trimester, a pregnant woman may notice the release of colostrum from the nipples (a clear, whitish or yellowish liquid), although this most often occurs closer to childbirth, in the third trimester. Hormones are again “guilty” of this, which prepare the breast for early feeding.

If you notice droplets on your nipples, then in no case squeeze it out of your chest. Just gently pat dry and be sure to maintain hygiene - take a shower twice a day. If necessary, breast pads can be used. By the way, it is very useful to lubricate the nipples with a drop of colostrum - this prevents them from drying out and prevents the formation of cracks during feeding.

Nipple stimulation during pregnancy

And the last thing that cannot be ignored is the stimulation of the nipples during pregnancy. Be extremely careful with this. Men really like the rounded shapes of their pregnant beloved wives. It is simply a sin to leave such breasts unattended, but this may turn out to be unsafe. Stimulation of the nipples during pregnancy brings the uterus into tone, which can provoke a threat of miscarriage or. At or in the later stages, such a natural one can even be useful. But while the time of childbirth has not yet come, it is better not to take risks and not touch the nipples once again.

It should be said that the described changes with breasts and nipples will not necessarily manifest themselves. In some women, the breast does not change at all until the birth itself, and only during the period of milk arrival does it begin to swell and harden. Do not worry if breast changes did not affect you during pregnancy - this is also normal. Each woman is individual, and her pregnancy is not the same as the other.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

During pregnancy, the nipple area becomes the most sensitive area. Nipples respond to all hormonal disruptions of a pregnant woman. Often, even before the delay in menstruation, breast change becomes one of the first symptoms. Soreness in the nipples can be a signal of pregnancy with a probability of 70%.

Changes in the body during pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes significant changes. The load on the internal organs becomes more intense: blood circulation increases, the kidneys and liver begin to function faster. The body itself changes a lot: the hips become wider, and the chest seems larger. Over time, the abdomen also increases and subcutaneous fat is deposited on the sides. It is not dangerous, since all pregnant women have such manifestations. The majority of pregnant women notice that the nipples are also changing: they can darken, peel off and undergo various changes.

A woman needs a breast for natural feeding of a child, the organ changes during the menstrual cycle. All women noted that before menstruation, the skin of the breast becomes sensitive.

Nipples change a lot during pregnancy. They can grow, change in shape and color. It's not a disease. Doctors tell all expectant mothers that peeling nipples are normal. But its appearance can be due to several reasons: pathological and natural. Since it is difficult to get rid of changes in the nipples, you need to be prepared for this in advance.

Irritation and peeling

In some cases, when carrying a child, irritation appears on the nipples. The skin on them flakes and turns red. This is observed due to the allocation of a certain secret.

Sometimes small white bumps appear on the nipples. Most of women believe that this is a manifestation of the disease and touch and get rid of them. However, such formations are the normal structure of the female breast. Such pimples contain a secret that is released in large quantities when breastfeeding. This function is necessary for normal lactation. The substance that is released lubricates the area around the nipple and protects it from cracking and drying out.

Peeling and itching on the nipples can occur in the last stages of bearing a child. Colostrum excretion may be a predisposing factor. Often, such manifestations are observed in those women who once gave birth, in whom the milk ducts are well developed. Colostrum dries up on the skin of the breast, thereby causing itching and flaking.

This pattern is normal. To reduce irritation on the skin, you need to shower more often. If this is not possible, then you can wipe the skin with wet wipes. In this case, you can purchase special absorbent breast pads.

Allergic reaction

On the initial stage pregnancy, the nipples also peel and itch, this is noted due to external stimuli. In this case, you can reconsider your things. There is a possibility that the purchased items in the wardrobe, and in particular, underwear, were of poor quality. It is important to pay attention to their composition, since synthetics are quite harmful. Hygiene products also provoke peeling of the nipples during pregnancy.

Sore nipples should be the reason for going to the doctor. Almost always, such a reaction is not dangerous and can be eliminated. However, it happens that a hormonal failure provoked the appearance of changes in the body of a pregnant woman. In this case, other signs of the disease may also appear. They can be recognized by changes in the shape of the breast, various unusual discharges from the nipples of different shades. Sometimes there may be an increased body temperature and poor condition of the expectant mother.

Often, during the bearing of a baby, a woman develops dryness and it is observed that the nipples are peeling. A feeling of dryness may appear due to a vitamin deficiency in a woman carrying a child. In particular, this applies to vitamins A and B. Dryness also manifests itself due to hormonal failure, skin irritation due to colostrum.

Cracks and dryness near the skin of the nipples will require special care. It is very important to use creams for stretch marks in the chest area. Cracks that have already appeared can be cured with sea buckthorn oil or Bepanthen.

When to see a doctor

To avoid peeling and dryness in the nipple area, it is important to use hygiene products. When colostrum begins to separate, it is worth using breast pads. You also need to rinse your chest more often, and especially in the nipple area, with warm water. Do not use soap in hygiene procedures. You also need to lubricate the skin in this area with breast cream or a simple baby cream. Since the colostrum dries up, there is no need to peel off the crusts: it is better to let them wash off, which will prevent injury.

If the following symptoms appear, then you need to visit a doctor:

• When the nipple changes color, a sharp redness appears and the temperature of the skin over the nipple rises.
• Discharge from the nipple is inadequate (blood appears, an unpleasant odor accompanies, a greenish tint to the discharge).
• Nipple sensitivity is normal during pregnancy. However, unpleasant soreness should not appear, and even more so only on one breast.
• With hypothermia, the nipples can turn white sharply. This is seen in Raynaud's syndrome.

Compliance with the rules of hygiene and timely consultation with a doctor will help prevent the appearance of unpleasant phenomena during pregnancy.

From the moment of fertilization of the egg and its implantation in the uterus, hormonal changes begin to occur in the body of the expectant mother. It is necessary for the preservation of pregnancy and the full development of the fetus. One of the first to actively produce estrogen and progesterone (the so-called “pregnancy hormones”) is the breast. What changes does she undergo and is everything considered the norm?

What happens to breasts and nipples

Already from 10-14 days after conception, the breasts and nipples begin to respond to pregnancy. This process manifests itself in each woman in her own way and lasts throughout the entire period of bearing a child. Consider the most characteristic changes.

Swelling and sensitization. Training mammary glands to lactation begins with the growth of glandular tissue and the expansion of the milk ducts - because of this, the breast becomes fatter, it becomes larger and heavier. Naturally, the nipples also increase in size (in length and diameter). Such processes are accompanied by pain and discomfort.

Darkening of the areola and nipples. After conception, the production of melanin (dark skin pigment) increases. This becomes especially noticeable in the places of its greatest accumulation - on the areola and nipples. The intensity of pigmentation can be different - in some women they acquire a rich brown, almost black color, while in others (mainly in owners of very fair skin) they just blush.

Cracks in the nipples. The reason for their appearance is excessive dryness of the skin in this area due to a lack of vitamins A, B and E or insufficient breast care. Also, nipples can crack as a result of mechanical impact on them. This usually happens if you intensively perform various manipulations, wanting to prepare your breasts for lactation.

Discharge from the nipples. Often, pregnant women notice discharge from their breasts (usually after the 20th week of pregnancy). If they are yellowish, whitish or transparent, then there is no reason to worry - this is colostrum. This sign indicates the readiness of the breast to feed the baby.

White pimples on nipples. Sometimes small white pimples appear around the nipple. They do not cause any discomfort and do not hurt, but they look ugly and cause anxiety in many. However, there is nothing to worry about - these formations (the so-called Montgomery tubercles) are a physiological norm. These are glands that are located around the nipples and come to the surface during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most often, expectant mothers have about 10-12 similar formations on each breast.

What to do

When swelling Breast and nipples can minimize discomfort and discomfort if you wear a comfortable bra with wide straps. It will firmly fix the chest and prevent it from fluctuating while walking. The bra should be made of natural fabrics, and it is better to prefer cups without seams, scars and decorating elements.

It is also useful to take contrasting wet rubdowns and air baths. These procedures have a beneficial effect on the breast and reduce its soreness.

To reduce the sensitivity of the nipples, some doctors advise putting a rough cloth in the cups. It will slightly irritate the skin and prepare the breast for the upcoming feeding.

When the color of the nipples changes no need to try to take any action. After the cessation of lactation, these manifestations will disappear on their own.

For cracks give up all kinds of manipulations: if the nipples do not sink inside, then there will be no problems with feeding. As the birth approaches, they will take the necessary shape and size. In addition, additional stimulation can lead to the production of the hormone oxytocin, which provokes uterine contractions.

Only if the nipples are very small, sunken, short and flat can special training be performed. For this purpose, it is recommended to do a massage, pinching the nipples between your fingers and slightly scrolling. In this case, the procedure should not last longer than 1 minute. You can also rub your chest with a waffle or terry towel.

If cracks appear due to dryness, then its cause must be eliminated. Moisturize your skin with special creams and oils. Discuss with your doctor the advisability of taking vitamin complexes.

Allocations from the nipples. Most importantly, don't squeeze out the colostrum. Just regularly (2-3 times a day) wash your nipples with warm water and moisturize with cream. In order not to stain the linen, use special linings that will absorb colostrum. Try to change them more often so that there is no reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.

It is very effective to lubricate the nipples with colostrum. This will protect them from drying out and will prevent the appearance of cracks during feeding.

tubercles Montgomery under no circumstances should it be squeezed out. It is also contraindicated to put compresses on them. Usually these formations are hidden after the cessation of lactation.

When to sound the alarm

In most cases, the above changes do not threaten anything. It even happens that the breast with the onset of conception and until the very end of pregnancy practically does not change. However, it is important for every woman to know when to see a doctor: 4.2 out of 5 (5 votes)