O92.1: Cracked nipple associated with childbirth

Cracked nipples associated with childbirth, coded as O92.1 in the ICD-10, refer to the painful condition where the nipples become sore or fissured due to breastfeeding. This condition is typically linked to the early postpartum period when a mother starts breastfeeding her newborn. The small cracks can result from incorrect latching where the infant doesn't take enough of the breast into their mouth, causing the nipple to rub or press against the infant's hard palate. Symptoms of this condition include nipple pain, bleeding, and possible nipple discharge. Over time, if left untreated, this can lead to severe pain during feeding, making breastfeeding difficult. This condition can potentially progress to more serious infections, like mastitis, if the open wounds become infected by bacteria. It mainly affects the mother's integumentary system (skin) but could impact the infant if it interferes with breastfeeding.