There are breast changes during pregnancy you should expect almost from day one. Blame the hormones. As hormone levels increase, so does blood flow and fluid retention causing your breasts to feel swollen, sore and sensitive to touch. In fact, breast tenderness can be one of the early signs of pregnancy. But this is good because these breast changes are preparing for the arrival of your baby. Show Breast Changes During Early PregnancyThere are a number of breasts changes during pregnancy that you should expect:
How can I ease breast pain and discomfort during pregnancy?Here are some helpful suggestions you can follow to make some of these changes more comfortable and easier to manage. Growth and enlargement: Buying a good supportive bra can help you feel more comfortable as your breasts grow. Consult a bra-fit expert at a large department store, maternity or specialty shop. If your breast size increases greatly, you may want to sleep in a cotton sports bra at night. What to consider in a bra:
Sensitive and tender breasts: Hormones in your body are preparing your breasts for lactation. The milk ducts are growing and being stretched as they fill with milk early in pregnancy. All this causes your breasts to be more sensitive, particularly your nipples. This may cause you discomfort. Colostrum: Colostrum, or pre-milk, is a sweet and watery fluid that is easy to digest. During your second trimester, your breasts will begin to produce colostrum. Colostrum appears thick and yellow at first, and as the birth draws near, it becomes pale and almost colorless. Colostrum will provide your baby with his first few meals before your milk comes in. A discharge may occur at any time, when your breasts are massaged, or when sexually stimulated. There is no need to be alarmed when this happens, and there is no need to worry if it does not happen. Women who do not experience discharge in pregnancy still produce milk for their baby. What about breast cancer?Continuing with self-breast exams during pregnancy is important. Unfortunately, during pregnancy, it is more difficult to accomplish because of all the changes your breasts are going through. Your breasts are growing in size, are tender, and sometimes may even be lumpy. It is still important for you to examine your breasts during pregnancy every 4-5 weeks. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. Warm compresses (running warm water over your breasts in the shower or applying a warm washcloth) and massages will probably clear the duct in a few days. If you are unsure of any new lump, tell your doctor on your next visit. Keep in mind breast cancer is rare among women younger than 35. If you are planning on having a baby and are over the age of 35, you may want to consider asking your doctor about a mammogram before you get pregnant. Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources: 1. Williams Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 30 and 57. 2. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 7. How soon do you notice breast changes in pregnancy?Breast tenderness is often one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , breasts may become sore, heavy, or tingly as early as 1–2 weeks after conception. The nipples may also feel sensitive or even painful to touch.
What part of your breasts feel like when pregnant?You have little branches of bud-like glands in the breast, and when you get pregnant these little buds grow out and form ducts and tiny sacs, called alveoli, to hold the milk.” This activity inside your breasts can make them feel tingly, sore, swollen or heavy – all early signs of pregnancy.
How does your breast feel and look in early pregnancy?You will probably feel less of the breast tenderness from early pregnancy. The veins in your breasts become more noticeable under the skin. Some women get stretch marks on their breasts. The nipples and the area around the nipples (areola) become darker and larger.
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