White discharge on nipples of pregnant women

Pregnant women undergo huge changes, especially their breasts will become larger throughout the pregnancy, which also lays the foundation for breastfeeding after childbirth. Pregnant women generally do not secrete milk during pregnancy, but why do some pregnant women have white secretions on their nipples? Sometimes, due to blocked milk ducts, milk accumulates and forms white particles, which is normal.

What is the cause of white discharge from the nipples of pregnant women?

White particles on the nipples of pregnant women may be Montessori nodules

After a woman becomes pregnant, she will develop Montessori nodes due to rapid changes. This is caused by endocrine changes. At this time, the breasts will enlarge and feel swollen around the areola due to the effect of pregnancy hormone levels. The color of the areola will become darker, and small nodules about the size of soybeans or mung beans will grow on the nipples. These are all normal physiological changes during pregnancy. Even a small number of people will secrete a small amount of milk in the middle or late stages of pregnancy, which is also normal.

It is recommended to clean the nipples frequently, but not over-stimulate them. Use vegetable oils, such as olive oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, or mineral oils, such as paraffin oil, to apply to the nipples to soften the scale and scabs on the surface of the nipples, and then wash them with soap and hot water.

White particles on the nipples of pregnant women may be excess milk

Because a small number of mothers will secrete a small amount of milk in the middle or late stages of pregnancy. If the pregnant woman's milk is not completely emptied and the milk in the breast is not discharged in time, it will cause the milk to accumulate and dry up to form white particles.

Moreover, if a pregnant woman's milk ducts are blocked, the ducts themselves are inflamed, tumors and external pressure are present, or fibers from a bra fall off and block the ducts, the milk ducts may become blocked and milk may accumulate to form white particles.

White particles on the nipples of pregnant women may be caused by disease

If a pregnant woman's nipples are too small or inverted, it will hinder breastfeeding. If the pregnant woman fails to correct the inverted nipples in time before delivery, the baby will have difficulty sucking milk, which may lead to pancreatitis and the production of white particles.

How to clean nipples during pregnancy

Daily washing with mild soap and water

Scrub the skin of the areola and nipple with mild soap and water every day, and scrub the skin folds clean. If the nipple scab is difficult to remove, you can first apply some vegetable oil (sesame oil, peanut oil or soybean oil), and then wash it with clean water after the scab softens. If there is a scab-like substance on the nipple, do not remove it abruptly. Before going to bed, you can cover your nipples with a square piece of gauze about 10 cm long and coated with grease. Then, wipe off the scab-like substance when you wake up the next morning.

This article introduces in detail what causes white secretions from pregnant women's nipples, and also introduces how pregnant women can clean their nipples. As a pregnant woman, occasional white discharge from the nipples may be normal or pathological. If you are worried, you can go to the hospital for a check-up to find out what is causing it.