What are areolas and what do they typically look like?

Areolas, the dark-colored halos surrounding your nipples, are sensitive, intimate parts of the body. They come in an endless array of unique sizes, shapes, and colors. That said, most women’s areolas fall in a spectrum of “typical” and healthy.

The average areola measures between 1.2 to 2.4 inches in diameter. However, many healthy areolas can be smaller or larger—it all depends on your genetic makeup.

Your areolas are also home to important glands. Ever noticed those tiny little bumps on your areolas? They’re not goosebumps—those are known as your Montgomery glands.

The Montgomery glands are a monument to your areolas’ primary functional purpose: nourishing your future baby. These raised pores are designed to help you and your baby during breastfeeding. The texture of Montgomery glands varies by individual.

Areolas also come in a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, beige, and brown. They are usually darker or lighter in pigmentation than the nipples. Most women naturally have differing shades between their areolas and their nipples.

Understanding areola changes during pregnancy

Areolas can change many times in your life, and some of the biggest transformations occur when you’re pregnant—possibly starting as early as four weeks. It’s definitely one of the pregnancy symptoms to watch out for. These changes serve an important purpose: they are believed to help newborns locate the nipple and establish a strong latch for nursing.

If you’re trying for a baby and observe your areolas broaden, your Montgomery glands become more prominent, or your nipples and areolas change color, it may be a sign to take a pregnancy test.

While pregnant, most women will notice three major changes in their areolas:

Increased areola size

Enlarged areolas is a common sign of early pregnancy. This size increase, typically happening within the first few weeks of the first trimester, helps create a more visible target for the baby, facilitating effective latching during breastfeeding.

In some cases, areolas enlarged for endocrinal reasons will return to their normal size once the hormonal changes have died down, like after breastfeeding.

Enhanced Montgomery glands

During pregnancy, Montgomery glands usually enlarge and protrude further. These glands are crucial for breastfeeding as they secrete oils and a unique scent that not only moisturize and protect the nipple but also aid the baby in locating the nipple for feeding.

Areola darkening

Late in the first trimester, you might notice you have dark nipples. Areola darkening will likely continue throughout your entire pregnancy, but both areolas won’t necessarily darken at the same rate. You may notice they color shift one at a time or that they ultimately reach different shades—all of this is completely normal!

These changes in the areolas are all part of your body’s natural preparation for feeding and nurturing your newborn. They highlight the remarkable ways in which a woman’s body adapts to support the growth and development of her baby.

What do women’s nipples typically look like?

Women’s nipples vary widely in size, shape, and color, making each pair unique. Typically, a nipple measures around 1.3 cm in diameter and 0.9 cm in height, similar in size to a ladybug. Nipples can be flat, protruding, or inverted, with some women having different types on each breast.

Nipple color can range from light pink to dark brown, with the areola often darker than the nipple itself. These variations are all part of normal anatomy and can change over time due to hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or other factors.

Understanding nipple changes during pregnancy

Your nipples will also undergo significant transformations as your body prepares for breastfeeding. From early secretion of colostrum to increased sensitivity, these changes are all part of your body’s natural adaptation to support your baby’s needs.

Colostrum

At the beginning of the second trimester, some women notice their nipples secrete small amounts of a viscous yellow fluid called colostrum. Think of this nutrient-dense, antioxidant-filled liquid as your body’s test run for providing your baby with breast milk. Your breasts will continue to produce colostrum until around 2 to 4 days after you deliver your little one, where it will then switch to breastmilk.

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge, primarily in the form of colostrum, is common and normal. However, any unusual color or odor should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Swollen nipples

Now, how do nipples look in early pregnancy? Another common symptom of early pregnancy is swollen or enlarged nipples, which is often caused by hormonal changes. Increased blood flow and glandular development can cause your nipples to appear larger and feel tender. You may develop a different type of nipple during pregnancy than your typical shape—whether yours were inverted or flat—as a result of this swelling.

What causes your breasts to change during pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, virtually every breast change from areola color, to nipple size—is designed to tell your baby where to latch on. What are the causes of your breast’shapeshifting? Like most changes during pregnancy, it all comes down to hormones.

After conception, your body disburses a hormonal cascade to help nurture your little bun’s growth – in the womb and also after birth. Four main hormones lead the charge when it comes to preparing your body for breastfeeding:

• Estrogen, which modulates the size of your milk ducts and releases pigmentation
• Progesterone, which grows the glandular buds (your nipples) and releases pigmentation
• Prolactin, which enlarges the breasts and encourages milk production
• Human placental lactogen (HPL), which contributes to ductal growth in the mammary gland

Other common breast changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your breasts undergoes a myriad of changes, and these changes are not just limited to the areolas and nipples. They encompass the entire breast, preparing your body for the crucial role of nurturing your newborn.

Breast tenderness, achiness, and sensitivity

These are often the first physical signs women notice, sometimes as early as four weeks into pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, lead to these sensations, making your breasts feel sore and sensitive.

Darker veins

Your boobs are a busy zone during pregnancy. As your body prepares to breastfeed, it conducts more blood to your breasts, so you may see larger, darker, and more noticeable veins around your chest. These are usually visible by the end of the first trimester (around 12 weeks).

Sizing up

Can’t fit your bra? By the second month of pregnancy, you’ll probably notice considerable swelling in your breasts. As developing milk ducts continue to grow over the next nine months, you can expect a boost of between one or several cup sizes.

Lumps and growth

It’s common to feel lumps or growths in the breasts during pregnancy due to glandular development and changes. While these are usually benign, it’s important to have any new lumps checked by a doctor.

Stretch marks

As breasts enlarge, the skin stretches, possibly leading to stretch marks during pregnancy. These are normal and vary from person to person.

How to manage breast discomfort while pregnant

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in your body, and managing breast discomfort is a common challenge. Here are some practical tips to help alleviate discomfort and maintain breast health during this important time:

Use of breast pads

Breast pads, also known as nursing pads, can be a lifesaver, especially if you experience nipple discharge or colostrum leakage. They come in both disposable and reusable varieties and can be placed inside your bra to absorb any moisture, keeping you comfortable and dry.

Applying lotions for skin Relief

The skin around your breasts and nipples can become particularly sensitive and stretched during pregnancy. Using hypoallergenic lotions or creams specifically designed for pregnant women can help soothe and moisturize the skin, reducing itchiness and discomfort.

Treating blocked milk ducts

Blocked milk ducts can occur during pregnancy, leading to discomfort and sometimes infection. Warm compresses and gentle massage can help unblock the ducts. If you experience persistent blockage, redness, or pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

When to see a doctor

While many breast changes during pregnancy are normal, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms. Seek medical attention if you notice severe pain, lumps, or abnormal discharge, such as blood or pus. Additionally, if your nipple changes are accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out any potential complications.

Do breast changes from pregnancy last forever?

Breast changes during pregnancy have pros and cons for all women. Some may love the extra curves, while others may prefer their body the way it was. If you’re wondering whether these modifications to your breasts will continue beyond your pregnancy, the answer is maybe. It depends on three main factors:

Genetics

After your due date, hormones will eventually return to their pre-pregnancy baseline. For some women, this leveling restores how their breasts originally appeared. For others, their areolas, nipples, and breasts may remain changed by pregnancy.

Pregnancy weight gain

When you put on weight during pregnancy, your body introduces more fat breast tissue. This additional fat may add bulk to your breasts—and this bulk may stick around after you give birth or stop breastfeeding your baby. In some women, mammary growth during pregnancy can also stretch out the breasts, diminishing their elasticity and altering their shape.

Breastfeeding

If you breastfeed, the hormones responsible for producing breast milk will likely keep your areolas and breasts the same shape, size, and color they were while you were pregnant. When you stop breastfeeding, your original areola color and breast size may or may not return. It all depends on your individual genetics and weight gain during pregnancy. Dive into breastfeeding tips for new moms to minimize breast and nipple discomfort while nursing and make mealtime easier for both you and your little one.

Pregnancy breast FAQs

How can I tell I’m pregnant by my nipples?

Changes in your nipples, such as increased sensitivity, swelling, or darkening, can indicate pregnancy. Additionally, you may notice the appearance of colostrum or more prominent Montgomery glands.

When do your boobs start growing when pregnant?

Breast growth can begin as early as four weeks into pregnancy, often triggered by hormonal changes. Many women notice swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity in the first trimester as milk ducts start developing.

How far into pregnancy do your nipples start to hurt?

Nipple tenderness or pain often starts as early as 4 to 6 weeks. This discomfort is caused by hormonal changes which prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.

When do you start leaking colostrum?

Colostrum production begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, but most women don’t start leaking it until later, typically in the third trimester.

Can you leak too much colostrum during pregnancy?

While leaking small amounts of colostrum is common and normal, excessive leakage can occasionally occur. If you experience more than a few drops, or if it becomes uncomfortable, consider using nursing pads to manage the discharge.

Celebrate the first sign with SneakPeek

Understanding the first few pregnancy symptoms, including areola changes, can help you feel more connected with your body. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you can connect with your little bundle of joy with the SneakPeek Early Gender Test. This DNA-based, at-home test can predict the sex of your baby just 6 weeks into your pregnancy—that’s two weeks after your areolas give the baby signal and months before your 20-week gender reveal ultrasound.

Used by over 1 million parents, SneakPeek is the #1 OBGYN-recommended at-home gender test on the market, offering over 99% clinically proven results, privacy protection, and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Learn more about your little one sooner than ever before by choosing SneakPeek®.