Are hard nipples a symptom of pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the breasts are affected by the changes in female hormones in the body during pregnancy, which can also cause some changes, such as enlarged breasts and darker nipples. Will nipples become hard in early pregnancy? Generally speaking, from the first month of pregnancy, the breasts begin to gradually increase in size, and the nipples become hard, enlarged and firm, which are all normal manifestations.

Will nipples become hard during early pregnancy?

From the moment the embryo implants, the breasts also undergo corresponding changes as the body's male hormones change. It is a function that nature has bestowed on humans, in order to meet the needs of breastfeeding after childbirth. In addition, the degree of breast development during pregnancy also determines the amount of milk secretion.

Generally speaking, the breasts begin to expand in size from the first month of pregnancy, and the volume becomes more and more obvious as the pregnancy progresses. The nipple area becomes more pigmented and larger in size, and small skin nodules the size of millet grains appear. In addition, the nipples become hard, enlarged and firm, the subcutaneous tissue has superficial varicose veins, and colostrum may appear.

By the middle and late stages of pregnancy, luteinizing hormone secretion gradually increases, the terminal part of the mammary duct expands, and the alveoli grow and develop adequately. At this time, the mammary glands become larger and firmer, the superficial veins dilate, the nipples and nipple pigmentation increase, and in the late pregnancy, the estrogen and estrogens secreted by the embryo begin to produce effects, the alveoli further expand, and when the mother is about to give birth, the squamous epithelial cells begin to secrete colostrum.

The breasts continue to grow throughout pregnancy, doubling to tripling in size. The breasts may feel swollen or painful, but the pain will gradually subside. If it is uncomfortable, you can use heat and massage to relieve it. However, if you find symptoms such as acute swelling, heat and pain in the breast, bloody nipple secretion, nipple cracking and skin ulcers, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Nipple care during pregnancy

1. Often use a dry and soft towel to gently wipe the nipple skin. This kind of stimulation can increase the firmness of the nipple skin and avoid damage when the baby sucks in the future.

2. After each bath, apply vegetable oil on the nipples first, then gently stroke the nipples and surrounding skin with your thumb and ring finger. When you are not taking a bath, first wipe the nipples with a clean and soft towel, and then massage using the above method. It should be noted that pregnant mothers are not suitable for growing long nails to avoid damaging the skin during nipple massage and causing unnecessary infection.

3. From the 4th to 5th month of pregnancy, clean the nipples frequently with mild soap and water to remove cradle cap and apply vegetable oil to the nipples.

4. If there is a hard scab-like substance on the nipple, do not remove it harshly. Before going to sleep, cover your nipples with a square gauze about 10 cm long and coated with vegetable oil. Then, wipe off the scab-like substance after getting up the next morning.