Is nipple swelling a sign of pregnancy?

If nipple pain occurs, it does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. Pathological reasons are also very likely to cause nipple pain. Once it occurs, you must go to the hospital for a detailed examination in time so that it can be confirmed. In addition, if some patients suffer from breast hyperplasia or mastitis, it is also very likely to induce symptoms of nipple pain.

1. Pathological

(1) Breast hyperplasia: The main cause of the disease is endocrine hormone imbalance. Breast tissue is very sensitive to hormones, and breast tenderness is often the first symptom that patients with breast hyperplasia seek medical attention. Breast hyperplasia may be accompanied by breast lumps, menstrual disorders (delayed, scanty, light-colored menstruation), nipple discharge, emotional changes (bad temper, irritability, mental tension), etc. Therefore, normal breast pain should be distinguished from breast hyperplasia to avoid delaying treatment.

(2) Mastitis: Mastitis is divided into lactation mastitis and non-lactation mastitis. Common acute mastitis often occurs in lactating women, especially primiparas. It is an acute breast inflammation caused by bacterial infection during lactation, with typical symptoms of local redness, swelling, heat and pain. Symptoms such as chills, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite may occur throughout the body. If a breast abscess forms, fluid levels can be seen on ultrasound and pus can be drawn out by puncture.

(3) Breast cancer: Breast cancer mostly occurs in women between 40 and 60 years old, and the incidence rate is higher in women before and after menopause. Early breast cancer is often painless, while painful breast cancer often indicates advanced stage. Studies have shown that the detection rate of breast cancer will increase in postmenopausal women who experience breast pain accompanied by gland thickening.

(4) Of course, when a tumor is accompanied by inflammation, there may also be swelling, pain or tenderness. If the advanced tumor invades the nerves or the axillary lymph nodes compress or invade the brachial plexus, shoulder pain may occur. Breast cancer is also accompanied by breast lumps, nipple discharge, nipple changes, skin changes, and swollen axillary lymph nodes.

2. Physiological

(1) Breast pain during adolescence: During adolescence, breast development begins with nipple swelling, followed by the appearance of pea- to bean-sized dome-shaped nodules in the breast tissue under the nipple, which are slightly painful. After menarche, it will disappear on its own as the breasts mature.

(2) Premenstrual breast pain: More than half of women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before menstruation. In severe cases, the breasts may become swollen and painful even with the slightest vibration or collision, and the original granular or nodular feeling may become more obvious. The pain usually subsides after menstruation.

(3) Breast tenderness and pain during pregnancy: Some women experience breast tenderness and pain around 40 days after becoming pregnant due to breast hyperplasia and breast enlargement. In severe cases, the pain may last throughout the pregnancy.

(4) Postpartum breast pain: Breast fullness, hardness, and pain may often occur 3 to 7 days after delivery.

(5) Breast tenderness after induced abortion: After induced abortion, some women complain of breast tenderness and a palpable lump.