Is it normal for my nipples to turn darker during pregnancy? (Query)

You probably  know that your breast size is going to change during pregnancy. But did you know that you may also experience a change in your nipples? Pregnancy does unusual things to your body, and if you have pink areolas, your nipples turning dark may come as a total surprise for you. However, it is entirely normal to have dark nipples during pregnancy. Dr Nupur Gupta, consulting gynaecologist and obstetrician, Director, Well Woman Clinic Gurgaon explains to you why.

The pregnancy hormones cause your body to produce more melanin, a pigment that is responsible for the changes in the colour of your skin. With more melanin produced, your skin turns darker particularly in the areas where there is more of the pigment like the areolas. In fact, during the last few weeks of pregnancy, the nipples and areola also grow in the size along with the breasts, as they prepare for the breastfeeding phase. You may also notice that the area looks bumpier than usual due to the growth of small sebaceous glands (Montgomery’s tubercles). These glands help protect your nipples from getting dry and cracked by producing an oily substance. Here are ways pregnancy changes your body nobody tells you about.

For how long will the colour last?
While the colour of your nipples turns darker during pregnancy, you have nothing to worry as it fades a few months after delivery.

Can I massage my nipples?
According to Dr Nupur, nipple massage may cause nipple stimulation, which in turn may initiate labour. Because, nipple stimulation causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for starting the labour pain and thus, puts you at risk of abortion. So it is best that you avoid stimulating your breasts and just let them be. Also do not make thesecommon mistakes that every pregnant woman makes.