Why are my nipples itchy during pregnancy?

As your belly grows during pregnancy, you will feel a little itchy. Not only does itch skin on the abdomen, but itching when it grows. You’ll also feel like you’re scratching your nipples. Yes, itchy nipples during pregnancy are a thing. Hormones are usually blamed for skin conditions and various symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, pregnancy-induced eczema is quite common and can lead to itching in various parts of the body. There are more reasons to scratch more often while you’re hoping. Don’t worry, there are some tips to get some relief.

What causes itchy nipples during pregnancy?

You may have itchy nipples during pregnancy for the following reasons:

1. Hormonal changes

I’ve heard of changes in hormones during pregnancy. “Your body will receive a surge in estrogen and progesterone, hormones known to stimulate breast tissue growth. It also increases blood flow to the breast and makes the area more sensitive.” This increased sensitivity, along with hormonal fluctuations, can leave you with itchy nipples during pregnancy.

2. Skin stretch

As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts will grow larger to prepare you for breastfeeding. This rapid extension of the skin can lead to microtia, dryness and irritation. These can be experienced, especially around the nipples. The nipples are more delicate.

3. Dry skin

Whether you’re pregnant or not, itching is a common symptom of dry skin. Pregnancy hormones can reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture. “This will result in dry, flake or cracked skin, especially in areas like nipples,” experts say. Dry skin is a very common trigger for itching and can be exacerbated by changes in weather, long hot showers, or chemical soaps.

4. Improved sensitivity

Your nipples can become extremely sensitive during pregnancy, and sometimes even painful to touch. As sensitivity increases, even mild friction from clothing and movement can lead to discomfort and uneven nipples during pregnancy.

5. Colostrum leakage

“In the late stages of pregnancy, we may begin producing colostrum, the first form of milk,” the experts say. When this early milk leaks into the nipple and drys out, it can irritate the skin and leave behind sticky or unfriendly residues that can leave annoying nipples during pregnancy.

6. Allergic reactions

Pregnancy can make your skin more responsive to allergens, even if you are not previously sensitive. Common perpetrators include new laundry detergent, fragranced lotions or creams, and synthetic fabrics for bras and clothing. These can cause localized skin irritation and lead to itching, redness, or rashes.

7. Pregnancy-related skin conditions

Skin conditions develop during pregnancy, such as:

• Ur measles and pregnancy plaque during pregnancy: A rash that starts in a stretch marked area and can spread to the chest.
• Flare up of eczema: It can be caused by hormonal changes and cause itchy, inflamed skin around nipples and other parts of the body. A study published in BMJ shows that pregnancy-induced eczema is the most common skin condition that women can develop while they are expecting.

Is it normal to have itchy nipples during pregnancy?

“Yes, it’s completely normal to have itchy nipples during pregnancy,” says Dr. Dewan. They are a common and harmless symptoms experienced by many pregnant women. They are usually the result of the natural changes the body experiences to prepare for breastfeeding and accommodate a growing baby.

You may experience itching during the second and third parts of your pregnancy:

• Early pregnancy (1-12 weeks): You may notice mild itching early on due to initial hormonal changes and increased breast sensitivity. “But that’s less common compared to later pregnancy,” experts say.
• Late pregnancy (13th to 27th week): This is the most common time of year when itchy nipples begin during pregnancy. This is when your breasts begin to grow rapidly, especially around your areola and nipples.
• Third trimester (28th to 40th week): Continuing breast enlargement, occasional leakage of colostrum, dry skin and increased tension can cause itching more severe or frequent.

How to relieve itchy nipples during pregnancy?

There are several ways to get relief from itchy nipples during pregnancy.

1. Moisturize regularly

Apply a mild, scentless moisturizer or natural oils such as coconut oil, or apply olive oil to the nipple area 2-3 times a day. During the study published in Dermatitis, coconut oil has shown effectiveness through a significant improvement in skin hydration in people with itching skin. “Applying this oil, or lotion, can help trap moisture, relieve dryness, and reduce itching caused by stretchy or flake-like skin,” says the expert.

2. Wear a soft, breathable bra

Choose a cotton bra with good cotton seams and no tight seams, especially if you have itchy nipples during pregnancy. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat or cause friction. Breathable fabrics can cool and dry the area, minimise irritation and minimize itching.

3. Avoid hot showers

Hot water may feel good for your body, but it removes natural oils from your skin. When that happens, the skin becomes dry and the itching worsens. Instead, take a warm shower to limit shower time to prevent your skin from drying out excessively.

4. Use mild, unscented soap

Wash your body by switching to a gentle, scentless soap that contains nipples. “Avoid strict soaps and body washes containing alcohol, parabens or sulfates as they can further irritate sensitive skin,” experts say.

5. I’m going to the cold compress

A cool, damp cloth placed on top of your nipples can instantly reduce itching and reduce inflammation. “I do this for 5-10 minutes a day, especially if I feel the itching is getting severe and I feel the urge to scratch my nipples,” says Dr. Dewan.

6. Keep hydrated

Whether you’re expecting or not, drink plenty of water all day long, and the well-watery skin is less likely to dry out and itch. Try drinking about 8 glasses of water every day. You can also go to fruit-induced water if normal water becomes boring.

7. Protects nipples from dry colostrum

If you have colostrum leaking late in pregnancy, gently clean the nipples with warm water and allow them to dry. Next, apply moisturizer and wear nursing pads on your bra. “This helps dry out the nipples and reduce friction,” says the expert.

Itchy nipples during pregnancy, usually caused by hormonal changes, are not rare. However, if you notice redness and abnormal discharge, check with your doctor.