It is very common for women’s nipples to become more prominent during pregnancy. The nipples and areolas often darken in color and increase in size. Many women find that their nipples “poke out” more and become more sensitive when they are pregnant.
What causes nipples to change during pregnancy?
There are a few key factors that cause nipples to change during pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes – When a woman becomes pregnant, her body releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the breasts to grow and prepare for lactation. The hormones stimulate the Montgomery glands in the areola which produce lubricating secretions.
- Increased blood flow – More blood flows to the breasts and nipples during pregnancy. This increased blood volume and circulation causes swelling, making the areolas and nipples enlarge.
- Breast growth – As the breasts grow larger and heavier during pregnancy, the nipples and areolas expand and darken. The areolas can spread by 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Keratin plugs – Small bumps may form on the areola as the glands produce more lubrication. These keratin plugs on the surface of the skin make the areola and nipples feel more pronounced.
All of these changes are normal and simply prepare the breasts for breastfeeding once the baby arrives. The nipples and areolas usually return to their pre-pregnancy size after breastfeeding ends, though they may remain a little larger and darker.
When do nipples start poking out during pregnancy?
Nipple changes can begin very early in pregnancy, sometimes within the first few weeks after conception. However, most women really start to notice their nipples looking and feeling different around the second trimester (weeks 14-27).
This is because the high levels of estrogen and progesterone during this stage spur the most breast growth. As the breasts expand, the areolas spread and nipples enlarge and protrude.
Though less common, some women do not experience nipple changes until later in the third trimester. So the timing can vary, but it most often coincides with rapid breast growth in the middle of pregnancy.
Do nipples stay poke out all the time during pregnancy?
For some women, the nipples remain permanently erect or poked out during pregnancy. But it is also common for the changes to be intermittent.
Factors like temperature, clothing texture, hormones and sexual arousal can impact how erect the nipples appear at any given moment. Many women find their nipples are poke out more often, but not necessarily all day every day of pregnancy.
Do nipples go back to normal after pregnancy?
In most cases, the nipples do go back to close to how they looked before pregnancy. After giving birth and finishing breastfeeding, the breasts begin to go through involution (shrinking).
As the breasts decrease in size, the nipples often retract and become less pronounced. The areolas will also reduce in diameter. However, they may remain slightly larger and darker compared to pre-pregnancy.
Here are some general guidelines for nipple changes after pregnancy:
- Nipples stop sticking out as much 1-2 months after giving birth
- Areolas and nipples continue to lighten over 6-12 months
- Post-pregnancy areolas may stay up to 1 inch larger in diameter
- Full nipple/areola shrinkage can take 1-2 years after breastfeeding ends
While the breasts undergo postpartum changes, women should continue to monitor the nipple area for any signs of infection, like pain, oozing, heat, or redness. If those symptoms arise, see a doctor right away.
What causes nipples to stay large after pregnancy?
There are a few reasons why some women’s nipples remain larger, darker, or more protruding after breastfeeding:
- Genetics – Breast tissue composition is inherited, so nipples simply retract less for some women.
- Longer breastfeeding duration – Nipples stay stretched out longer with extended nursing.
- Significant breast growth – Bigger enlargement during pregnancy equals more change.
- Younger maternal age – Younger breast skin bounces back less.
- Smoking – Smoking can impair nipple involution.
In rare cases, large nipples after pregnancy could indicate a condition called mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue. See your doctor if the changes do not start to reverse after 6-12 months.
Is it normal for nipples to be sore during pregnancy?
Yes, nipple soreness and tenderness is very common during pregnancy and is considered normal. As progesterone increases, it can make nipples feel tingly, sensitive, or downright painful.
Plus, the enlarging breasts put more pressure on the nerve endings in the nipple area. Between weeks 5-8, up to 20% of women experience breast and nipple sensitivity as an early pregnancy symptom.
As the milk ducts expand, nipple soreness may come and go throughout the pregnancy. The discomfort typically peaks around the first and third trimesters.
Here are some tips for relieving nipple soreness during pregnancy:
- Wear a supportive maternity bra
- Apply cold compresses
- Use breast shells or nipple pads
- Try nipple creams like lanolin
- Avoid irritants like soap or tight clothes
- Take acetaminophen if approved by your doctor
While nipple soreness in pregnancy is normal, sudden or severe pain could signal an issue like infection. Check with your OB-GYN if the pain becomes problematic.
Do nipples leak during pregnancy?
Nipple discharge is common during pregnancy as the breasts prepare for lactation. The fluid is usually whitish, yellowish, or clear.
As early as the second trimester, estrogen and progesterone prompt the milk ducts to produce colostrum. This early milk can start leaking out with nipple stimulation.
Many women experience nipple leakage when the breasts are squeezed, fondled, or brushed up against something. Or it may happen spontaneously due to hormonal fluctuations.
Wearing nursing pads in the bra can help absorb any colostrum leaking during pregnancy. Nipple discharge typically increases as you get closer to full term.
However, bloody, brown, or green discharge could potentially indicate an underlying problem. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any abnormal colored leakage.
What bras are recommended during pregnancy?
Here are bras that are recommended for pregnancy:
- Maternity/Nursing bras – Designed with extra support, comfortable fabric, wide bands, and flap down cups.
- Wireless/Sleep bras – No underwire minimizes pressure on growing breasts. Great for relaxation and sleep time.
- Sports bras – Compression style provides stability during activity. Opt for larger cup and band sizes as needed.
- Bralettes – Provide light support and accommodation for fluctuating breast size.
- Camisoles with shelf bras – Built-in padding and adjustable straps help support changing breasts.
- Breathable fabrics – Cotton, modal, jersey, or mesh aid ventilation and prevent irritation.
- Front closure – Bras that close in the front accommodate expanding rib cages as the pregnancy progresses.
The most important features are soft, non-irritating fabric, wide supportive bands, adjustability, and a lack of underwire or tight cups that constrict breasts. Proper bra fit and comfort helps relieve pressure on the nipples.
What clothes help hide nipple poke through?
Some clothing options that can help minimize nipple show-through include:
- Structured tops and dresses
- Thicker fabrics like quilted jackets
- Knits with ribbed textures
- Layering with camisoles or bras
- Darker colors and busier prints
- Adhesive nipple covers
- Sticker pasties
- Triangle silicone or foam pads
Avoid see-through, extremely thin or clingy fabrics if nipple coverage is a priority. But also remember that some nipple visibility under clothing is totally normal, especially during pregnancy. Focus on what feels comfortable to you.
Is nipple cream safe during pregnancy?
Nipple creams are generally considered safe during pregnancy. They provide moisture and soothing relief when nipples are feeling sensitive or sore.
The most commonly recommended nipple cream is purified lanolin. Lanolin comes from sheep’s wool. Look for brands like Lansinoh that are pharmaceutical grade.
Other safe, effective options include:
- Organic coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Calendula cream
- Pure aloe vera gel
Avoid products with retinol, peppermint, tea tree oil, or vitamin E. Only use nipple creams sparingly after washing and drying your breasts. If you experience any irritation from a nipple cream, discontinue use.
As always, check with your OB-GYN about any over-the-counter topicals to make sure they are compatible with your pregnancy.
When to see a doctor about nipple changes
See your obstetrician or healthcare provider if you notice:
- Severely painful, tender, cracked, or bleeding nipples
- Discolored discharge from nipples
- Ulceration, oozing, or warmth in breasts
- Lumps, thickness, or pits in the breast or underarm
- Red streaks extending from nipples
While most nipple changes in pregnancy are benign, consult a doctor about any unusual or worsening symptoms, as treatment may be needed. Breast and nipple issues should be evaluated, especially if they do not resolve after delivery.
Conclusion
It is extremely common for nipples to become more sensitive, erect, darkened, and enlarged during pregnancy. These changes are caused by surging reproductive hormones, increased blood supply, and expanding milk ducts in preparation for breastfeeding.
For many women, the nipples tent outward persistently and are prone to irritation from clothing. The protruding nipples typically retract closer to their pre-pregnancy state over the months after giving birth and finishing nursing. However, slight increases in nipple size and pigmentation may remain permanent.
While nipple changes in pregnancy are mostly normal, be sure to discuss any sudden pain, abnormalities, or concerns with your OB-GYN. Pay attention to your body and ask your doctor about any symptoms that worry you or interfere with your comfort.