Changes to the Areola During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The areola areola breast changes in early pregnancy pictures is the dark area around the nipple, and it undergoes several changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the areola darkens in color and may grow in size. This helps the newborn find the nipple and latch on to encourage nursing.
Without a proper latch, a baby will likely have difficulty getting enough milk, leading to issues with low milk supply and cracked and painful nipples for the mother. The breast changes during pregnancy are caused by the influence of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. Colostrum is produced in late pregnancy due to the influence of prolactin and oxytoxin.
During lactation, prolactin levels increase due to a drastic reduction of progesterone. The breast tissue undergoes changes during lactation, including dilated lobular acini with vacuoles and secretions. It takes three months after discontinuation of breast-feeding for the breast tissue to return to its pre-pregnancy state.
Prepare yourself for the physical transformation of early pregnancy with collection of images showing areola breast changes over time.
Areola bumps
The areola is the pigmented area around the nipple of the breast. It has a variety of functions, including aiding with nursing. The Montgomery glands in the areola secrete oil to lubricate, clean, and protect the areola and nipple. This oil also has a scent that is believed to help newborns find the nipple and begin breastfeeding more easily.
Documenting your growing bump during pregnancy can be a fun way to capture this special time in your life. Taking photos every week or so will create a time lapse of your pregnancy journey that you can look back on fondly.
Even if you don’t see a noticeable bump yet, start taking photos now so you can track your progress over time. There are plenty of tips available online for how to take the best bump photos, such as finding flattering angles and lighting, wearing comfortable clothing, and using props like scarves or hats for added interest.
The Areola’s Function
The areola is a circular area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. Its primary function is to aid with nursing, as it contains Montgomery glands which secrete oil to lubricate, clean, and protect the nipple. The scent of these glands helps newborns find the nipple more easily and begin breastfeeding.
The areola also serves an aesthetic purpose, as its color can vary from light pink to dark brown depending on a person’s skin tone. It may also become darker during pregnancy due to increased levels of hormones in the body.
In addition, some people may have small bumps or ridges on their areolas which are completely normal and harmless. All in all, the areola plays an important role in both nursing and aesthetics for many individuals.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Monitoring Your Areolas during Early Pregnancy
Become familiar with the normal size, shape, and color of your nipples and areolas. Knowing what’s typical for you can help you recognize any changes that occur during pregnancy.
Examine your breasts in a well-lit mirror every week. Make sure you look closely at your nipples and areolas, paying particular attention to any changes in size, shape, or color.
Look for any signs of tenderness, itching, burning, or discoloration around the nipples or areolas.
Check for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture around the areolas and nipples.
Keep an eye out for any discharge or secretion from the nipples.
Take note of any pain or discomfort in the breasts or nipples.
Contact your doctor if you notice any changes that are concerning or do not go away.
What does the areola look like in early pregnancy?
The areola is an area of skin around the nipple that usually has the same color as your lips. During early pregnancy, however, this area may look darker than usual. This is due to increased levels of hormones in the body which can cause changes in the pigmentation of the skin. Some people even notice changes to their areola during the second or third trimester, and these changes can be seen in early pregnancy pictures.
In addition to darkening, nipples and areolas may become larger and more textured during early pregnancy. This is due to tiny bumps called Montgomery Glands which produce an oily substance to keep the area clean and lubricated.
These glands also help protect against infection by keeping bacteria away from sensitive areas like the nipples. The combination of darkening and texture changes can make it easier for a baby to latch on during breastfeeding.
Causes of Dark Areolas
Dark or black areolas are a common occurrence during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The cause of this darkening is likely due to rising levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This darkening may help the newborn baby find the nipple easier and facilitate latching.
The area immediately surrounding the areola may also darken, making it look bigger. Areolas may become darker due to Montgomery tubercles, which become more visible during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These bumps secrete oil to decrease bacteria transfer to the baby and provide lubrication for the areola and nipples, helping protect the baby from bacteria while nursing.
Areolas and nipples may also darken during pregnancy due to increased activity of melanocytes. Darker-complexioned women may not notice this change until later in pregnancy (around 10 weeks). Melissa M. Goist, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Medical Center explains that this is a normal effect of pregnancy hormones and is not a cause for concern.
Treatment for Dark Areolas
Dark areolas are a natural part of pregnancy and not a cause for concern. The area surrounding the areola may also darken, making it look bigger. This is due to increased levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, as well as increased blood flow to the area.
Montgomery tubercles, or Morgagni tubercles, may appear on the perimeter of the areola and become more visible during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These tubercles secrete oil to decrease bacteria transfer to the baby and provide lubrication for cracked or dry nipples.
After breastfeeding, the areolas may lighten but may remain slightly darker than before pregnancy. Creams and ointments claiming to lighten skin color should not be used without consulting a doctor first.
It is believed that the darkening of the areolas has an evolutionary purpose to help the newborn baby find the nipple easier. Therefore, it is important not to try any treatments that could potentially harm your health or interfere with this natural process .
FAQs
The most common changes in areola breast during early pregnancy include darkening of the nipples and areolas, enlargement of the areolas, and the appearance of Montgomery tubercles, which are small bumps around the areola. The size of the areolas can also increase, as well as their sensitivity. In some cases, women may even notice a slight discharge from the nipples.
The size of your areolas can vary in early pregnancy, but they will typically become larger and darker in color. Some women may notice their areolas becoming much darker and larger, while others may not experience any noticeable difference.
