32 weeks and cracked nipples. Help!

[Sunny866]

Hi. I’m 32 weeks and since last week I’ve had extremely sore cracked itchy and painful nipples. I’ve tried lansolin, saline solutions, moisturiser and nothing works. The pain and itching has me up in the night. Asked the midwife and she said they can’t do anything as I’m not currently breastfeeding. Has anyone had this or know why it’s happening? Any solutions?

Could it be something unrelated to pregnancy? I know my midwife previously when I was having heart palpitations said that it might not be to do with pregnancy and suggested I speak to my GP. could you try the GP instead and see if they can suggest anything? Might be worth a try if you're getting no luck with the midwife. Maybe theh could be infected if they are itchy?

Yes I went to the doctor as I had developed some sore itchy spots on other parts too. They did blood tests and didn’t find anything unusual apart from low iron, by this I mean it was only one mark lower than what it should be.

Try the GP again - could be thrush or another fungal infection (which should clear up with some simple cream). Could also be eczema, it’s possible to get on the nipples. Both of those seem like possibilities because you’ve had it elsewhere. Keep going back and asking about this as you’ll really need them to be better before starting breastfeeding! You could also ask the midwife again and ask her to get some advice from a lactation consultant if need be- point out that it will soon become a breastfeeding issue if it doesn’t get sorted.
Pretty common to have dry and itchy nipples in pregnancy tho So in the meantime would continue the lanolin. Good luck!

I used Conotrane on mine when irritated by bubble bath. GP suggested it, as had prescribed some for dd.

Not quite the same, but I've had a reoccurrence or sore, cracked skin around my nipples breastfeeding DS since some of his teeth have started coming through and the Lansinoh did nothing for it this time around. Someone on here recommended Aquaphor so I ordered some online and it's been amazing. Now fully healed and no reoccurrence, so if you're looking for a non-medicated solution (presuming the GP has ruled out a medical cause) then it might be worth a try

It looks like conotrane has been discontinued but I will try the aquaphor. I have an appt with my consultant on Tuesday so will show her and see if she has any suggestions.
Yes defo need to get this sorted before I attempt to bf. I’m hoping it is just a pregnancy related thing