Moms, are you one of those who experience itchy nipples during pregnancy? It turns out that hormones are usually the cause of skin conditions and various pregnancy symptoms.
Pregnancy-related eczema is quite common and can cause itching in various parts of the body. There are many reasons why you might scratch more often during pregnancy.
Is it normal to have itchy nipples during pregnancy?
Itching is a common and harmless symptom experienced by many pregnant women. Itching is usually the result of the body’s natural changes in preparation for breastfeeding and accommodating the growing baby.
Itching can occur in any trimester. In the first trimester, you may experience some itching in early pregnancy due to early hormonal changes and increased breast sensitivity.
The second trimester is the most common time for itchy nipples during pregnancy. The breasts begin to grow rapidly, and the skin will begin to stretch, especially around the areola and nipples.
In the third trimester, the itching may become more intense or frequent. This is due to continued breast enlargement, occasional colostrum leakage, and increased dryness and tightness of the skin.
What are the reasons for itchy nipples during pregnancy?
According to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Deepa Dewan in HealthShots, there are several reasons why pregnant women tend to experience itchy nipples during pregnancy. Here are some of the reasons, namely:
1. Hormonal changes
You must have heard about hormonal changes during pregnancy. The body experiences an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which are hormones known to stimulate the growth of breast tissue.
These hormones also increase blood flow to the breasts, making the area more sensitive. This increased sensitivity, along with hormonal fluctuations, can cause itchy nipples during pregnancy.
2. Skin stretching
As pregnancy progresses, the breasts will enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding. This rapid stretching of the skin can cause micro-tears, dryness, and irritation. This can be especially true around the more sensitive nipples.
3. Dry skin
Whether you’re pregnant or not, itching is a common symptom of dry skin, according to research published in StatPearls. Pregnancy hormones can reduce your skin’s ability to retain moisture.
This can lead to dry, flaky, or cracked skin, especially around areas like your nipples. Dry skin is a very common trigger for itching and can be made worse by changes in the weather, long, hot showers, or soaps that contain chemicals.
4. Increased sensitivity
Nipples can become very sensitive during pregnancy, sometimes even painful to the touch. As sensitivity increases, even light friction from clothing or any movement can cause nipples to feel uncomfortable or itchy during pregnancy.
5. Colostrum leakage
In the later stages of pregnancy, you may start producing colostrum, which is the first form of milk. When this early milk leaks and dries on your nipples, it can leave a sticky or crusty residue that can irritate your skin and make your nipples itchy during pregnancy.
6. Allergic reactions
Pregnancy can make your skin more reactive to allergens, even if you’ve never had a sensitivity before. Common culprits include new laundry detergents, scented lotions or creams, and synthetic fabrics in bras or clothing.