Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy
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Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy
Home For Parents Parenting Tips Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy: Why It Happens, Tips To Help
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So you're handling morning sickness like a champ, and nausea has just about become part of your daily life now.
Suddenly pregnancy's lesser-known first-trimester symptom creeps in and you can't seem to find relief from itchy breasts and nipples. Itchy skin is a common symptom that many women experience during pregnancy, and most of the time it's totally harmless.
We've got some tips and tricks to relieve some of that annoying breast itching, and the signs you need to look out for that signal that you should call your doctor.
Pregnancy can definitely be overwhelming at times, but our guide on how to grow a baby from week one of pregnancy might help. And you might want to check out this piece on whether you can eat goat's cheese whilst pregnant to know what is safe and what isn't during this exciting time.
There are many different reasons that you might be experiencing itchy or sensitive nipples while you're pregnant.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnancy can cause eczema, and one of the main symptoms is itchy and cracked nipples. The skin around your nipples can become dry or even develop small cracks. The itching sensation can be especially intense during the first trimester when hormones are at their peak levels and your breasts are swelling. You might have pregnancy-induced eczema if you can see dry and scaly patches on the skin of your breast, and in different places on your body. This is the most common skin condition you can experience during pregnancy.
The most likely reason your skin is feeling itchy is because of hormonal changes. One of the body's methods of preparing for labor is a significant increase in progesterone production. Progesterone is responsible for increasing the blood flow to both your breasts and uterus. Blood flow increases towards your breasts because it needs to prepare for your milk ducts to expand and grow in size. This increased blood flow can cause swelling and may cause slight skin irritation to occur around the areolas, better known as dry breast skin or nipple eczema.
Therefore you might be experiencing pain or itching is an increase in the amount of blood in your breasts. This causes swelling and an increase in size and is good news as it means that your milk ducts are developing nicely. It's uncomfortable, however, when your nipples become rough and dry due to swelling, which makes them itchy.
As your breasts and body grow, your skin stretches to accommodate the fast weight gain. This can cause stretch marks on your breasts and belly which are often itchy and painful.
Prurigo is an immune system response to the huge changes that your body is going through during pregnancy. It usually looks like little bumps on your skin around your breast area, or other parts of your body, which can be itchy. This condition doesn't have a cure and can last up until you give birth.
If you notice an itchy rash under your breasts, this could be intertrigo, which is caused by the heat, moisture, and friction underneath your growing breasts. This is more likely if you're experiencing hot weather, and can cause the skin to crack and itch.
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is not only a mouthful to say, is but also a common cause of pregnancy itches. You might notice hives on your skin around your belly and breasts, which doctors actually don't know how to treat. PUPPP should go away naturally as your body changes.
There are many tried and tested ways to provide relief for yourself if your nipples are itchy, or you're experiencing sore nipples in early pregnancy.
First, try to wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a t-shirt, and avoid wearing a bra or other undergarments that rub against your breasts if you can. If your clothing is too tight, it will restrict the blood flow to your nipples and this will intensify the itching and dryness.
Applying cool compresses to your breasts may help relieve itching as well. Just be careful not to let the compress get too cold or wet as this can cause a different set of issues such as frostbite or chill bumps that are equally uncomfortable!
As you sleep at night, make sure you use a light blanket to keep the air around your breasts from getting too cold.
Ditch the over-the-counter medications. There are several over-the-counter medications that are often used to treat nipple eczema but the first thing you need to do is consult a doctor as these medications have not been approved for use in pregnant women. If you wish to try these medications, ask your doctor about safer alternatives such as nipple cream.
Apply synthetic lactation ointment around your nipples and also in between your breasts. There are a number of synthetic ointment products available that can be used while pregnant that will relieve the itching sensation on your nipples that makes them itchy and rough.
You can try massaging cocoa butter into your breasts and nipples to make sure your breast skin is moist and to relieve any itching that comes from dryness. Cocoa butter is believed by some people to help prevent stretch marks too, though there's been limited research done.
Putting petroleum jelly on your nipples could also be a good way to relieve the itchy dryness of your nipples. Try to let it dry before putting on a bra.
If you notice that your nipples become itchy and dry during pregnancy, pay attention to any changes in thickness or soreness or changes in color that you notice on the skin. Make sure you also pay attention to the rest of your body, to check for any signs of inflammation or illness. While itchy nipples might not be indicative of a problem with your pregnancy, it is just one symptom that you should keep an eye on.
One of the more dangerous conditions that could be causing itchy breasts and nipples is cholestasis, which is a condition of the liver. You'll typically notice it in the second trimester or third trimester as unbearable itching without any rash. This is a sign that your liver isn't working properly, and you may have to deliver your baby early to avoid complications.
Your itchy nipples could also be a sign of a yeast infection, so it's best to see your doctor to test if this is the case. You can identify a yeast infection by stinging nipple pain and itching, and dry flaky skin around your nipples. You'll probably need prescription medication to get rid of the infection, so make sure you get it checked out if you think something's wrong.
When we think about problems with our breasts, we can often jump to breast cancer as a worst-case scenario. It is very unlikely that your nipple and breast itches are symptoms of breast cancer, but it is a good idea for you to get checked out with your doctor if you are worried at all.
If you found this article helpful, then why not take a look at our discussion of whether you can run while pregnant or find some advice about handling early pregnancy anxiety ?
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Last modified on Thursday 3 June 2021
Itchy nipples are relatively common in pregnancy. Discover some of the common causes of itchy boobs and nipples when you're pregnant, and simple, effective ways to soothe them.
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Morning sickness, exhaustion, cravings for pickled eggs … pregnancy comes with a whole host of wonderful side effects, and itchy nipples can be one of them.
Itching is common in pregnancy and can happen in lots of weird and wonderful parts of your body.
If you find you've got itchy boobs or nipples, here's what could be causing it, what you can do to ease the itch yourself, and when you should see the doctor.
There can be a number of reasons for itchy nipples and boobs in pregnancy. Common causes include:
During pregnancy there are lots of hormonal changes going on in your body, and these raised hormone levels can cause itching. The itching can occur anywhere, including the boobs and nipples.
As your pregnancy progresses, your body changes to accommodate your growing baby.
Your bump, boobs, hips and bum all expand, and as the skin stretches, it often becomes drier, which can cause itching. You may also develop stretch marks , which can feel itchy as they form.
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Pregnancy can trigger eczema in some women and may cause flare-ups in those who already have the condition.
Eczema causes the skin to become dry, itchy and cracked and you may develop scaly or raised patches of inflamed skin. These can look red on lighter skin or darker brown, grey or purple on darker skin. Eczema on your breasts can cause itchy nipples.
Environmental factors such as washing powders, central heating, perfumed products and hot baths can all cause itching.
You may find your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy and you react differently to your usual products – such as the washing powder on your bra or any body lotions you're using – causing your nipples to itch.
A yeast infection such as thrush can cause itchy, painful nipples. Yeast infections can happen at any time and are caused by a fungal infection.
Yeast infections are common if you're breastfeeding, if you have vaginal thrush or have recently taken antibiotics.
If you think you have a yeast infection, speak to your doctor about pregnancy-safe treatments.
While most forms of itching in pregnancy are nothing to worry about, if you suspect you have ICP you should always see a doctor.
ICP is a liver condition that's also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC). It has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth and stillbirth.
ICP can cause itching without a rash. This itching is usually worse at night and most noticeable on your hands and feet, although it can happen anywhere on the body. Other symptoms can include:
ICP symptoms usually start in the third trimester – at around 30 weeks – but may come on as early as eight weeks.
It's certainly possible. Changes to your breasts are a common sign of early pregnancy.
According to the NHS , in early pregnancy your boobs might get bigger and feel tender, a bit like they do before your period. They can also tingle and your nipples can darken and stand out.
There are a number of things you can do to help relieve the irritation of itchy nipples. These include:
While itchy nipples in pregnancy are usually nothing to worry about, you should mention any itching to your midwife or GP. They'll be able to offer advice on soothing the irritation and offer treatment if needed.
If you have severe itching, particularly on your hands and feet, you should never ignore it. It could be the symptom of a condition such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) that needs further medical treatment. Always talk it through with your midwife or doctor.
Discuss any pregnancy symptoms and side effects with other parents-to-be in our forum below…
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MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy .
1. Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy ; SexInfo Online; University of California, Santa Barbara (2017) 2. My pregnancy Weeks 1 —20 ; UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology 3. Hibah Osman et al.; Risk factors for the development of striae gravidarum ; Am J Obstet Gynecol (2007) 4. Sophie Weatherhead et al.; Eczema in pregnancy ; BMJ (2007) 5. Pruritic Urticarial Papules And Plaques Of Pregnancy ; American Osteopathic College of Dermatology 6. Justyna Szczęch, Artur Wiatrowski, Lidia Hirnle, Adam Reich; Prevalence and Relevance of Pruritus in Pregnancy ; Biomed Res Int. 2017 7. Skin Changes During Pregnancy ; Health Sciences Library; Upstate Medical University (2008) 8. Stretch marks in pregnancy ; NHS (2019) 9. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy ; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2018) 10. Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP) ; European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2013) 11. Cholestasis of Pregnancy ; St. Louis Children’s Hospital 12. Cansu Karakas; Paget’s disease of the breast ; J Carcinog (2011) 13. Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy and Beyond ; UCSF Medical Center
Dr. Umera Zakiahmed Saiyed is a homoeopathic consultant and runs her own clinic Noor. She pursued her BHMS from Yerela Medical College in Kharghar, Mumbai and worked as an assistant doctor under a gynaecologist in Surat, Gujarat. With more than 5 years of experience in gyneacpcods, assisting many labor and caesarean deliveries, she holds expertise in cases related to infertility,... more
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and... more
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Dr. Umera Zakiahmed Saiyed is a homoeopathic consultant and runs her own clinic Noor. She pursued her BHMS from Yerela Medical College in Kharghar, Mumbai and worked as an assistant doctor under a gynaecologist in Surat, Gujarat. With more ... more
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotec... more
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .
Some women may experience itchy breasts during pregnancy. This could either result from hormonal fluctuations or sensitivity in the skin, both of which are common in pregnant women. Although the condition is temporary, the symptoms may sometimes persist for longer periods. Under such circumstances, you need to consult your healthcare provider.
Read on to know about itchiness in breasts while pregnant, including measures to deal with it.
Breast changes might begin as early as one to two weeks post-conception (1) . The breasts may become tender, sore, enlarged, or tingle, while the nipples become tender, cracked, or swollen ( 2 ). However, this cannot be a standalone symptom of pregnancy. Only when you see this in association with other prominent pregnancy symptoms can you confirm your pregnancy.
You are likely to experience itchy nipples as early as one to two weeks after conception (1) . Itchy nipples due to Skin straie around the nipple are likely to develop after the 24th week of gestation (3) .
Itchy breasts due to eczema (one of the common dermatoses during pregnancy) usually develop within the first two trimesters (4) , whereas itchy breasts or nipples from PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques) might occur in the third trimester (5) .
Your breasts and nipples may itch and irritate due to the different physiological changes that happen in pregnancy. Some of those changes are listed below:
Yeast infections , cholestasis of pregnancy (a liver problem causing severe itching of hands and feet) (11) , and Paget’s disease of the breast (rare breast cancer) (12) could also cause itching of breasts and nipples.
Unless they are due to an underlying medical condition, itchy breasts and nipples could be managed with a few home remedies. Follow these tips regularly to keep your skin soft and supple during pregnancy, and to get relief from dry and itchy skin .
If the above measures do not give any relief from itchy nipples, your doctor may suggest some topical medication. In some cases, itchy nipples and breasts may also be signs of chafing or yeast infections. It is, therefore, advisable to seek your doctor’s advice when home measures do not work.
1. What do itchy breasts mean during pregnancy?
Itchy breasts in pregnancy can be due to physiological reasons in most women. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, increased blood supply, and breast expansion can result in itchy nipples. Pregnant women can also experience nipple soreness, tingling, and breast heaviness. These symptoms are rarely caused by serious conditions in pregnancy ( 14 ).
2. When do itchy breasts start in pregnancy?
Itchy nipples and other breast changes in pregnancy can be se
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