I am 6 months pregnant and my nipples are turning dark day-by-day. One of my friends suggested that massaging the area with coconut oil lightens the skin tone. But my cousin (who recently delivered a baby) said to apply lightly the oil and not massage the nipples as it might stimulate the breast that in turn can cause abortion. I am really worried. What should I do?
Dr Nupur Gupta, Consulting gynaecologist and obstetrician, Director, Well Woman Clinic Gurgaon says, The hormones produced during pregnancy cause a temporary increase in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives the brown colour to hair, eyes and skin. With more melanin being made by the body, the skin that is already pigmented (like areolar skin skin around the nipples) gets darker. The excess secretion of hormones also causes the areola to grow.
However, the areolar skin also shows some prominent spots called Montgomery's glands that secrete oil, which prevents dryness or cracking of nipples during pregnancy. But in some cases, women experience cracks and dryness of the nipples and thus, various home remedies like moisturisers, coconut oil and even ointments (only those prescribed by your doctor) might help you deal with it. As far as the colour and size of the nipple are concerned, they return to their normal appearance once you stop breastfeeding. Here are some home remedies for various skin problems during pregnancy.
Nipple massaging Dos and Don ts
According to Dr Nupur, nipple massage may cause nipple stimulation, which in turn may initiate labour. Because, nipple stimulation causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for initiating the labour pain and thus, puts you at risk of abortion. However, the chances of initiation of labour depends on the release of the hormone and is not 100% effective.
Also, nipple stimulation will only work if your body is ready (meaning the cervix might have started to soften) and primed to go into labour. But that doesn t mean that you cannot massage the nipples or apply coconut oil. You can apply coconut oil on the areola but keep these tips in mind.
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