Cause
When pregnancy begins, the body releases large amounts of estrogen and progesterone in addition to the pregnancy hormone beta- HCG to prepare for the upcoming pregnancy. The hormone surge leads to increased growth processes in the breast and the formation of additional mammary glands to ensure that the infant is adequately nourished after birth by breastfeeding. These changes in the breast tissue also affect the nipple.
Many pregnant women complain of itching in the nipple area during pregnancy. Often this is caused by textiles with a high polyacrylic content, which is why it is recommended to wear only 100% cotton fabrics on the skin. In addition, some women find it comfortable to use a supporting bra, which can minimize the friction of a loose-fitting T-shirt on the nipple.
Other women, on the other hand, prefer as much air on their nipples as possible during pregnancy. In this case, one should avoid any form of bustier and even move around at home without a top from time to time. Another tip against an itchy nipple is a balanced care.
Shower gels and creams with fragrances should not be used from now on and should be replaced by skin-friendly, fragrance-free products. Baby care products that have already been designed for sensitive skin are especially recommended. For some women, careful, short cooling also alleviates the discomfort.
The growth of the nipples during pregnancy is essential for successful breastfeeding after birth. As the breasts grow (caused by the increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone), both the mammary gland tissue and the nipple itself become significantly larger. In this way it is much easier for the baby to find after birth.
It is also important for the release of the so-called cuddling hormone oxytocin: if the newborn touches the nipple, it hardens and milk secretion is stimulated.Basically, the breast or nipples are a part of the body that is very well supplied with nerves (very sensitive), which is why it is not unusual for pain to occur in this area. Due to the unusually fast growth of the breasts and nipples, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, pain often occurs. The breast gland tissue increases in size from day to day, as many new mammary glands and mammary ducts are formed.
Sometimes the growth is so rapid that the skin in the breast area does not grow back fast enough, so that stretch marks can develop. When there is stretching and tension in the area of the breast, the nipple in the center of the breast is often also affected. Small tears and injuries can occur, which can be painful for the affected women.
Through this wound germs or bacteria can penetrate the breast and in some cases even cause an inflammation of the mammary gland (a so-called mastitis) with symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. To relieve the pain on the nipple, one can apply nourishing, natural creams, such as calendula ointment, ointment containing aloe vera or arnica ointment. If the chest pain becomes unbearable or no improvement is noticeable even after months, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out inflammation.
Some women also describe a burning sensation on their nipples during pregnancy. This usually has the same cause as pain: the strong growth of the breast gland tissue. However, a burning sensation can also occur when foreign substances enter an open wound, e.g. small cracks in the area of the nipples.
In this case, lightly greasy wound and healing ointments should be applied to protect the wound from the renewed entry of germs. Many women with burning nipples also find cooling compresses (e.g. quark compresses) very pleasant. However, a burning sensation can also occur when foreign substances enter an open wound, e.g. in small cracks in the area of the nipples. In this case, lightly greasy wound and healing ointments should be applied to protect the wound from the renewed entry of germs. Many women with burning nipples also find cooling compresses (e.g. quark compresses) very pleasant.
