Why do pregnant women’s nipples become larger and darker?

The body of a pregnant woman undergoes different changes every moment, including pregnancy reactions and the gradual enlargement of the fetus every day. You only need to have regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy and do not need to be under too much mental stress, as this will affect the development of the fetus. Some pregnant women have enlarged and darker nipples. Pregnant women who do not understand the situation are more worried and do not know what is going on. Why do pregnant women's nipples become larger and darker? Let’s take a look at it next.

1. Why do pregnant women’s nipples become larger and darker?

This is because during pregnancy the placenta secretes a large amount of estrogen, which stimulates the development of the mammary ducts, and secretes a large amount of progesterone, which stimulates the development of the mammary alveoli. For the mammary gland to develop completely, the participation of pituitary prolactin, human placental lactogen, insulin and cortisol are also required. The breasts begin to enlarge and become obviously congested in the early stages of pregnancy. As the mammary gland alveoli proliferate, the mammary glands become larger and nodules appear. At this time, the nipples begin to enlarge, darken, become erect, and the color of the areola deepens. The sebaceous glands around the areola are enlarged, forming scattered nodular protrusions called Monteggia tubercles. In addition, at the end of pregnancy, especially near the delivery period, if the breasts are squeezed, a small amount of light yellow, thin liquid may overflow, which is called colostrum.

2. Precautions during pregnancy are as follows:

1. Avoid contact with harmful substances: Do not dye your nails or hair during pregnancy. Those who need to be exposed to harmful substances at work should take leave during pregnancy, especially in the first three months of pregnancy, otherwise it is easy to cause malformation or miscarriage;

2. Avoid ionizing radiation: Even if the computer is shielded, you should still pay attention;

3. Regular life and work schedule: avoid staying up late and eating barbecue;

4. Those with adverse pregnancy and childbirth history should seek medical attention in time to rule out cervical incompetence and avoid miscarriage in the second trimester;

5. Timely prenatal check-up, such as opening a card at 12 weeks of pregnancy and performing fetal anomaly screening at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy;

6. Due to the ionizing radiation at high altitudes and poor emergency medical capabilities, some airlines also stipulate that pregnant women cannot fly after 28 weeks of pregnancy;

3. Reminder

Pregnant women should not drive because their abdomen may touch the steering wheel, which may endanger the life of the pregnant woman and the fetus.