Introduction
During a pregnancy, numerous processes of change and adaptation take place in the woman’s body. The typical symptoms described by many pregnant women are summarized as signs of pregnancy, which can vary in strength and duration from woman to woman. Especially in the area of the breast and nipple (nipple), the hormonal changes are clearly noticeable in many pregnant women.
Changes of the breast and nipple during pregnancy
Already at the beginning of a pregnancy, the female body undergoes a complete hormonal change. Many women notice an unusual increase in the sensitivity of their breasts and nipples as well as feelings of tension, often even before their period has stopped or the positive result of a pregnancy test. Pregnancy is almost always accompanied by sensitive breasts, but not every sensitivity of the breasts is necessarily indicative of pregnancy.
In some cases, however, this sensation may be due to monthly cycles and may occur only in a short period of the cycle. In principle, at the beginning of a pregnancy exactly the same signs occur as known to a woman from her periods, only in a much stronger version. However, if the strong sensitivity of the nipple remains for a longer period of time, this is an indication of a possible pregnancy.
Due to the increase in pregnancy hormones (e.g. beta-HCG) as well as estrogen (female sex hormone) and progesterone, breast growth is caused by an increase in mammary gland tissue. In addition, the blood flow to the blood vessels that supply the breast increases noticeably, so that many women notice enlarged red vessels on their breasts. For the skin, the process of volume increase often happens too quickly, which can lead to stretch marks and cracks in the nipple.
The areola, which surrounds the nipple, also changes: already in early pregnancy it becomes darker and larger. The exact reason for the increased coloration has not yet been proven. However, it is suspected that it serves the better orientation of the infant during breastfeeding.
The nipple itself also becomes larger and darker. Furthermore, the fat production of the atrial glands (so-called Montgomery glands) surrounding the nipple increases. The nipple is thus optimally protected against dehydration and possible tears due to increased stretching caused by the growth of the mammary glands are prevented. The body thus optimally prepares the nipple for the stresses and strains of breastfeeding that occur after birth.
