What causes nipple tenderness in the late stages of pregnancy

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Pain in the breasts during the late stages of pregnancy is normal, as the milk production and delivery system continues to expand and develop. As the pregnancy nears its end, there are 15 to 20 round protrusions in each breast, each consisting of a main glandular bubble at the root internally and a milk delivery tube with a narrowed opening at the tip extending outside the nipple.