Dark patches on nipples

[SB1712]

So just today I’ve noticed a particularly darker patch (almost a faint line albeit not thin) on the lower part of my areola. My nipples in general have gone darker during pregnancy to a brownish colour but this patch is darker still. Is this normal? Is it common or get patches that are darker than others during pregnancy?

I’m freaking out about a small mark I’ve had under my breast for about 3-4 years which I did get checked out years ago, but was applying cream tonight and noticed it again. It hasn’t changed shape size colour and it’s not sore (it’s about 2mm) or anything but my health anxiety is majorly heightened at the moment. Then I noticed the darker patch on my nipple and I’m feeling all over the place help.

Hi OP, I’m pregnant and have also noticed a darker patch on one nipple - to me it looks like pigmentation. Had a quick google and it sounds normal to me - I’m just putting it down to part of all the changes to my body happening at the moment. (Of which there are many!) Perhaps you could mention it to your midwife if you’re concerned? X

I had new moles, darker nipples (this is totally normal) and new freckles all appear when pregnant too. (My hands especially had a few strangely) I had them all checked out as I was worried but doctor wasn’t concerned at all. He did tell me to take pictures for reference in case they grew/changed but haven’t in 10 months since DS was born. Go get them checked for your own peace of mind though. Please don’t worry too much about them as pigmentation can darken in pregnancy. X

Thank you both for your reply that’s really reassuring.

The skin does not feel different on the darker patch, it’s not roughly or scaly and again like the mark it’s not sore. At a glance you wouldn’t notice it, it’s only because I was looking last night and can see the difference. Hasn’t noticed this at all until I was pregnant. Am I going overboard if I book in with the GP for both things?
I worry they will put it down to pregnancy which is fine if that’s what it is. The mark underneath my breast has been there for many years and something I never thought about.
Google isn’t kind though so I have freaked myself out with it all.

Op a doctor will never think you are going overboard for something like this. When I booked my appointment to have them checked I apologised for it and he was very clear that if you are worried about moles/freckles/changes to skin you get them checked. He basically said that google is not a doctor and neither am I and if it was worrying me then that is all he needed. Go get it checked and god for bid (very unlikely) it was something it can be treated now. Xx

Thank you Blue.

Have tried calling the doctors this morning but missed all the appointments. I have my 20 week scan tomorrow and will be up and out early so will try again on my way.

I've had a little one appear on my areola too and did panic a bit at first but I think it's just a pregnancy thing. The weird thing is I cant see it in the mirror but only if I look down at it!

The problem is they’re changing so much in shape, raised bits, colour etc it’s hard to keep track of what is normal and what you should look out for during pregnancy isn’t it.
I’m going to book an appointment if I can get one and hopefully that’ll put my mind at rest either way. The dark patch does just look like pigmentation so perhaps it’s just that for us all in during pregnancy.
Anything I’ve tried to research just talks about the overall nipple/ areola darkening and not a patch.

I am an avid googler with a health anxiety and I really should put a ban on for myself

I've had a few dark freckles come up on my nipples since being pregnant. Again had a quick Google and seems pregnancy related!

Yes I’ve had a few dark freckles too Nav, they didn’t concern me much it’s just the patch. Sometimes I can see it and sometimes I can’t. I think I’m working myself up too much