Pregnancy causes your body to change in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways, some we are prepared for, and others leave us asking, “Why didn’t anyone warn me about this?!”
Alongside expected physical pregnancy side effects like morning sickness and stretch marks, your areola (the skin around your nipples) may suddenly appear darker. This is common symptom of pregnancy, so let’s break down why it happens, what it means and when things might return to “normal”.
What causes nipple darkening during pregnancy?
It is unclear exactly what causes nipples to darken during pregnancy. However, as with most changes that occur during pregnancy, it is likely to be down to your hormones. Hormones are responsible for helping your body grow and adapt to effectively prepare you for carrying and giving birth to your baby. During pregnancy, hormones appear to cause an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment which makes our hair, skin and eyes darker.
The areas which are most affected by this increase in melanin, are parts of the body where the pigment is already present in high quantities, such as the areolas. From an evolutionary perspective, some believe that the body causes an increase in melanin and the subsequent nipple darkening so that the baby will easily spot the nipple for breastfeeding even before their eyes are fully developed.
During pregnancy, some women find their body develops dark patches in other areas, such as on their face. This is sometimes referred to as the pregnancy mask. Dr Adam Friedmann, a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics explains that Melasma “is a common skin condition characterised by skin discolouration, particularly dark patches of skin” and is experienced by “up to 50% of pregnant women. Adam suggests that if melasma has appeared as a result of your pregnancy, it is very likely to resolve naturally after giving birth.
If you're not pregnant and you notice your nipples appear darker, there are some other common causes to be aware of:
-
Oral contraceptives - the birth control pill contains the synthetic hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can cause a change in nipple colour
-
Menstruation - your menstrual cycle is driven by changes in hormone levels, which again, can result in darker nipples, your breasts feeling more tender and swelling
-
Puberty in girls - when a young woman is going through puberty her estrogen levels spike and it's these hormone changes that cause breasts to grow. During this process the nipples can undergo changes too, such as darkening
-
Breastfeeding - this is down to the change in hormone levels that help you to produce milk. It's not known why this happens, but some experts believe it is to help your baby find your nipple area quicker
In some rare cases, a darkening of the nipple can be a sign of Paget’s disease, a rare form of cancer which begins in the nipple area. It's more common in older adults, but if you are concerned, speak to your GP.
Do dark nipples fade after pregnancy?
In most cases, dark areolas will fade back to their original colour after pregnancy. It is unlikely to be immediate, but it should happen during the first few weeks and months after you give birth. However, in rare cases, changes which occur during pregnancy may become permanent. Learning techniques to embrace the changes from pregnancy can be an empowering way of remembering the incredible journey you have been through to create new life.
As the darkening of your nipples and skin is caused by an increase in melanin, it is important you stay safe in the sun. The NHS recommends mums-to-be always use a high SPF sunscreen as your skin is more sensitive to sun damage. If you are in a hot climate, seek shade where possible and make sure you stay hydrated. Hot weather can cause overheating and dehydration, as pregnant women's bodies are already at a higher temperature as they pump blood around the body for the baby. If you do get hot and flustered, make-up and skincare expert Joyce Connor recommends using "cooling thermal water which helps to soothe irritation on the skin and keep you cool".
Adam recommends avoiding triggers, such as the contraceptive pill or too much sun, if you are struggling with melasma outside of your pregnancy.
Using pregnancy safe skincare and beauty products is important. This will ensure you are using products that are not only safe for you and your skin but your unborn baby too. You do not want to irritate the skin or make it inflamed which could make the skin appear darker. You can use concealer to cover dark patches if they make you feel insecure.
What else happens to my breasts during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones can cause a lot of changes to your breasts. Your breasts may grow, feel tender or tingle during pregnancy. Viens can also become more prominent and as well as nipples darkening, they may also stand out. Montgomery glands may also become visible to you during pregnancy. All of these changes may feel quite strange, and although they are normal, it is best to keep an eye out for any concerning changes as you would outside of pregnancy. Breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel offers some amazing advice for expectant mums to distinguish between natural changes and things that might be concerning.
Embracing the change
Every woman’s body is different, and these changes impact us all in different ways. If you have any concerns about changes to your body during pregnancy, chat to your midwife. Remember, your body is doing something amazing, and every little change is a sign of that magic going on behind the scenes.
About the expert
Dr Adam Friedmann is a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics
Geraldine Bauer is a psychology graduate and registered nurse specialising in oncology and palliative care. She is a mum of two children (aged 5 and 2) and spends most of her time balancing her passions and enjoying time with her family.