In case your nipples are recently inverted, it is best to see your doctor. They may be a sign of mastitis, mammary duct ectasia, or an abscess below your areola. ) In pregnancy the areola darkens even further and spreads in sizing. The areola consists of smaller modified sweat glands https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMw%3D%3D_5ad6450c-533d-442c-a09c-9f7bce1babfb