Early Pregnancy Signs: Darkening Areolas
Wondering if you are pregnant and looking for signs? Darkening areolas may be an indication of pregnancy and the first of many changes for the breast.
Are Darkening Areolas a Sign of Pregnancy?
If you’ve noticed that your areolas (the area around your nipples) have become darker and/or larger, you may be witnessing one of the first signs of pregnancy. This can happen as early as a week or two after conception. If indeed you do have a bun in the oven, this will be the first of many changes that happen to your breasts over the course of your pregnancy. Like so many pregnancy symptoms, darkening of the area around your nipples happens as a result of surging pregnancy hormones and it’s preparing your breasts to feed your baby. Some women may notice bumps (resembling goose-bumps) pop up on the perimeter of their areolas. These are called Montgomery tubercles and they’re your friends! They provide lubrication to your nipples, which will be welcome when baby latches on to nurse.
As your pregnancy progresses, your areolas may grow and the color may deepen. For better or worse, these changes often remain after giving birth.
Should I Be Concerned?
This change in the appearance of your areolas is just a normal result of pregnancy and is not a cause for alarm.
More from The Bump:
Most Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Other Early Sign of Pregnancy: Frequent Urination
Other Early Sign of Pregnancy: Sore Boobs
-- Kelly Alfieri
Sep 30, 2011
See More: Pregnancy Symptoms , Pregnancy Health , Pregnancy Conditions
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Reminder: Medical info on The Bump is FYI only and doesn't replace a visit to a medical professional.