Darkening of Areolas
In addition to darkened areolas or nipples, darker areolas are frequently the most noticeable physical changes to the breasts during pregnancy.
Expectant mothers start to feel stretch marks, sensitive breasts, swollen breasts, and darkening areolas (the skin around the nipples) or dark nipples shortly after conception. Many women have areola or nipple darkening during pregnancy due to the hormone increase, and this darkening often persists throughout the pregnancy.
Nipples and areolas can start to darken or change color as early as the first or second week. Some women also notice that their darkened areolas and darkened nipples enlarge in size.
The darker nipples could also enlarge or become more evident. During pregnancy, the external genitalia and the area around the anal region frequently experience hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.
Hormones are the primary factor in darker areolas and nipples. The body produces more pigment as a result of progesterone and estrogen. Along with all the other changes to the breasts, these hormones also broaden the areolas, make the breasts painful and swollen, induce colostrum to leak, darken the nipples, and widen the breasts.
