Are you trying to conceive? If so, you are probably paying attention to everything your body is doing to see if you can identify any early pregnancy symptoms. There is no reason to be ashamed – most women do this very same thing! I know I did.
When I thought my breasts felt different than normal or when I was suddenly very tired, I quickly started to wonder if maybe I was pregnant. Early pregnancy does include its own set of weird feelings because of the radical things happening inside your body. So, is an erect nipple sign of pregnancy? Let’s see.
Understanding Ovulation and Implantation
In order to become pregnant, you must first ovulate. Many women trying to conceive keep track of when they are ovulating. This generally occurs around 12-16 days before your next period (in the middle of your menstrual cycle).
Ovulation is when your body produces an egg that is ready to be fertilized. If you have sex around the time you ovulate, it is possible to become pregnant.
Once the egg is fertilized, implantation will begin. Implantation occurs when the embryo (the fertilized egg) attaches to the uterine wall. This will occur approximately a week after ovulation (between 6-12 days) and is one of the earliest stages of pregnancy.
Many women trying to conceive use the acronym “DPO” – this stands for days past ovulation. It’s helpful to understand this acronym as we move forward.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
If you are keeping track of DPO, then you are paying close attention to your body. Some women begin to notice DPO symptoms as early as 7-10 days past ovulation. There are several DPO symptoms that may signify pregnancy.
The most common DPO symptoms include lower back pain, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Have you experienced any of these symptoms? In addition, some women experience nose bleeds. Others report mood swings that are unlike PMS mood swings. It is also possible to notice a change to your senses – food tastes different or smells bother you.
Are Your Nipples Hard and You Are Not Cold?
But, what about your breasts? Your breasts will be one of the biggest indicators that you may be pregnant because they will experience all sorts of unusual changes. For example, are your nipples hard without you even being cold or aroused? Many moms notice this in early pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your breasts may become significantly larger, the color of the areola may change, and you may notice your nipples are erect. This is because in the first trimester your body is already hard at work to make your breasts a place of nourishment for your baby.
Other Potential Causes for Erect Nipples
However, when you are looking at any DPO symptom, you must understand that some of these things occur because of other factors unrelated to pregnancy. Before you rush to announce your pregnancy because you have erect nipples, let’s see what the experts say.
BabyMed explains that while breast changes do occur as a result of pregnancy, “this is usually not the very first sign of pregnancy and usually appears after you miss your period and you have a positive pregnancy test.” In addition to pregnancy, breast changes occur because of menstruation, progesterone changes, and menopause.
Breast Changes in Early Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you will notice some changes to your breasts in early pregnancy. This is because the hormones in your body are increasing the blood flow to your breasts and preparing your breasts for milk production.
In early pregnancy, you can expect to have tender breasts. As all these changes take place in the first trimester, it is normal for breasts to feel sore.
Your breasts will also begin growing starting in early pregnancy – and continuing to get larger as you approach your baby’s birthday. Be prepared to buy new bras! Some women feel like their breasts are itchy as they grow. It is also common for your nipples to change in size and color.
Breast Changes in Late Pregnancy
One of the most shocking developments in late pregnancy is that your nipples start leaking. This does not happen to every pregnant mom, but it does occur often. Since your body begins milk production in the first trimester, it is possible that you may leak in the later stages of pregnancy.
This leaking is generally small, but you can wear breast pads if you are concerned. You should also keep in mind that there are certain things that trigger leakage (i.e. sex!). This leakage is normal and will not affect your breastmilk. If you are still concerned, please speak to your healthcare provider.
To Wrap Up
If you are anxiously trying to conceive, it is normal to look for every sign possible. While erect nipples may alert you that your breasts are experiencing some hormone related changes, it is still wise to take a pregnancy test and see your doctor to confirm pregnancy.
