During pregnancy, a mother undergoes many physiological and psychological changes. These changes make them feel uncomfortable and tired.
This is also a period when it is necessary to pay much attention to the health issue.
One of the problems that pregnant women often face is dried colostrum on nipples during pregnancy.
Some might be worried about it. Is it normal or a negative sign of health? Let’s continue reading this article to find the ultimate answer and some valuable tips.
Is Dried Colostrum On Your Nipples During Pregnancy Normal?
In this case, dried colostrum during pregnancy is very normal. It is a sign to notice that your body is ready for breastfeeding.
You do not need to be concerned because not everything will leak out.
The initial milk a mother makes is called colostrum. What does dry colostrum look like? When it slowly escapes from the breast, it might dry into a white or yellow crust on the nipple.
Breast milk production will continue during your pregnancy and for a few days following the child’s birth.
In some unfortunate cases, the dryness prolongs and makes you hurt when breastfeeding or using a spectra breast pump. If so, we have some tips for you below.
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Crusty Dry Nipples?
Hormones associated with pregnancy are most likely to blame. However, several conditions brought on by hormones might result in dry nipples.
The quick increase in blood flow to the sore breasts may also make them drier.
Not only dry nipples, but early pregnancy symptoms might also include itchy or sore feelings in this part.
This may begin during the first trimester when your breasts are straining. Let’s dip your toes deeper into this issue.
Increase Progesterone Hormone
Your ovaries produce more progesterone when you get pregnant. A hormone called progesterone aids in uterine preparation for pregnancy.
In addition, it prevents the uterus from contracting too quickly and early giving birth to the baby.
In detail, your placenta boosts progesterone production to even greater levels at about 8 weeks of pregnancy. Through the 2nd trimester, this rise persists.
Moreover, progesterone prevents the mom’s body from producing more eggs. It also signals your body to prepare for breastfeeding.
This hormone increases blood flow to your breasts. As a result, progesterone causes pregnancy-related swollen, painful breasts, and sensitive nipples.
Progesterone plays a primary role in preparing the milk ducts to produce initial milk. When the breast skin enlarges, stretch marks, dry skin, and sore, sensitive nipples are possible side effects.
In your second trimester or later, you can discover breast milk stains in your bra. It is called colostrum.
As their pregnancies advance and their mammary glands develop, pregnant women frequently spill milk.
Eczema
Eczema is one of the most typical skin issues for pregnant women. This symptom often appears in pregnant women during the first two trimesters.
Previous atopic dermatitis raises your risk of developing pregnancy-related eczema.
Furthermore, eczema may be the culprit if you have cracked or itchy nipples or patches of dry, scaly skin. (Eczema is also prevalent among newborn babies).
If the condition worsens, detergents, soaps, and lotions can be the reasons.
Yeast Infections
An annoying Candida Albicans fungus infection is another root of the problem. Your immune system is inhibited during pregnancy. As a result, Candida can develop unchecked.
Many women believe that yeast infections can only occur in the vagina. However, you can also have a yeast infection in your nipples. The name of this ailment is nipple thrush.
A searing or shooting pain in your nipple, dry or glossy skin surrounding or on the nipple, or cracked nipples are all signs of nipple thrush.
How To Prevent Crusty Dry Nipples
1. Choose A Suitable Bra
How do I get rid of crusty nipples during pregnancy?
You might need to buy new bras a few times because your boobs continue to grow after the first trimester.
Never forget to wear a well-fitted bra to prevent discomfort and suffocation and reduce the dried milk on nipples during pregnancy.
Avoid underwired and tight bras, and choose cotton products that are lightly cushioned instead.
Because underwired bras obstruct the milk ducts, they frequently reduce milk output.
Additionally, you might search for bras that provide the proper back support, which is crucial for your developing breasts.
2. Massage
You might have a nipple crust during pregnancy.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep the area surrounding the nipple moist. You can gently rub the nipples with coconut or olive oil before taking a bath.
Another plus point is that the breasts may be lifted, kept firm, and free of drooping if you frequently massage them with coconut oil.
3. Hygiene
As mentioned, colostrum frequently leaks from the nipples, especially in the third trimester.
This can happen often; therefore, it’s crucial to change the bras to prevent the nipples from becoming too moist, which might cause infections and cracks.
Breast pads are another option for keeping your nipples dry. Additionally, keep in mind to routinely cleanse your nipples to avoid the liquid creating a crust on top of them.
4. Moisturizing Creams
If your nipples feel too dry after getting out of the shower, it’s a good idea to apply some moisturizing lotion to them.
Moreover, remember not to use soap while taking a bath because the components in soap make your nipples dry and lead to cracking.
Bonus Tips To Take Care Nipples When Pregnancy
In addition to the methods above, if you want to prevent dark crusty nipples during pregnancy, please take notice of:
- Before exercising or jogging, use adhesive bandages over your nipples to prevent chafing.
- When the nipples are chapped or dry, avoid stimulating them because this might exacerbate the irritation.
- Avoiding the allergen is the best strategy to stop dry nipples in persons allergic to specific materials and chemicals. If there is contact, wipe the chemical off immediately.
- A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, avoiding binge drinking, quitting smoking, and engaging in regular exercise will be all beneficial.
Conclusion
Crusty nipples can cause dried colostrum on nipples during pregnancy.
Yet, you do not need to worry because this case is normal for every pregnant woman. You can reduce the pain and discomfort by following the tips mentioned above.
However, remember to seek medical help when you experience abnormal nipple discharge or any sudden change.
Above all, stay optimistic and have a science-backed diet.
We hope you can have a healthy pregnancy.
