In this article, we discuss the breast changes that are most common during each trimester. We also provide some tips on easing breast discomfort when pregnant.
It is important to note that breast changes vary from woman to woman, and not everyone will develop all of the symptoms below.
First trimester breast changes
During weeks 0 to 13 of pregnancy, women may experience:
Tenderness and discomfort
Breast tenderness is often one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, women may have sore, heavy, or tingly breasts as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception. The nipples may also feel sensitive or even painful to touch.
These changes occur because of rising hormone levels in the body and increased blood flow to the breast tissue. Breast discomfort often subsides after a few weeks, although it may return in the later stages of pregnancy.
Enlargement
Going up a cup size or two when pregnant is normal for many women, especially if it is their first pregnancy. This growth can begin early on in pregnancy and continue throughout. A woman’s breasts may also increase in size while she is breastfeeding.
This rapid growth can cause the breasts to feel itchy as the skin stretches.
Blue veins
Blood volume typically increases by 50 percent throughout pregnancy. As a result, prominent blue veins usually appear on several areas of the skin, including the breasts and stomach.
These veins are necessary to carry the increasing volumes of blood and nutrients around the body to the developing fetus.
Breast changes occur to allow the newborn baby to feed.
However, women who do not experience dramatic breast changes during pregnancy should not worry about their ability to feed their baby. Nipple and breast changes are not indicative of a woman’s ability to produce milk or breastfeed.
After delivery, or sometimes before, the breasts produce small amounts of colostrum. This fluid helps boost the baby’s immune system. Newborn babies have very small stomachs and only require modest amounts of colostrum to meet their nutritional needs.
Over the next few days, the breasts begin to produce milk instead of colostrum. Breast milk production typically starts between 5 days and 2 weeks after delivery.
Anyone who has concerns about their ability to breastfeed should consider seeking help and support from a doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant.
Ways to ease discomfort
Many women experience breast discomfort during pregnancy. However, there are many ways for people to accommodate their changing breasts and ease discomfort during this time:
Wearing breast pads for leakage
For colostrum leakage, try wearing breast pads. These are available in either a disposable or reusable form.
Applying lotions and oils
Applying lotions or oils to the breasts can relieve skin tightening and itching. Many women also use these products in the hope of reducing stretch marks.
However, current research suggests that topical treatments, such as cocoa butter and other oils, do not prevent the formation of stretch mark. Instead, the Office on Women’s Health recommend being patient, as stretch marks and other skin changes usually fade after the birth of the baby.
Treating blocked milk ducts
A person can treat blocked milk ducts by applying a warm compress to painful, blocked areas of the breasts.
Massage can also be helpful. Gently massage the breast from the sore area toward the nipple.
Checking breasts for lumps
Carry out regular breast checks during pregnancy to look for lumps and bumps, and speak to a doctor regarding any concerns. Usually, a lump will be benign, or it will occur due to a blocked milk duct.
Bra tips
Investing in a well-fitting and supportive bra is one of the best ways to ease breast discomfort during pregnancy. When choosing a bra, look for one that has:
- good support
- wide straps
- adjustable closures
- no underwire
- cotton fabric composition
- seam-free design near the nipple
Sports bras and sleep bras are both comfortable options for pregnancy. Many women prefer to buy nursing bras as they approach their delivery date. Nursing bras are also suitable for use during pregnancy and while sleeping.
It is a good idea to get a professional fitting for a bra during pregnancy because a woman’s bra size can change several times as her breasts and chest expand.
After women give birth, their breasts will maintain their larger size due to milk production.
Once they stop breastfeeding, their breasts and nipples often return to their normal size, shape, and color.
For some women, this occurs quickly. For others, it can take time. However, some women may find that their breasts never regain their prepregnancy appearance.
Sometimes, breasts may appear droopier after pregnancy. This change is more likely in women who smoked or who have:
- a high body mass index
- larger breasts (prepregnancy)
- several prior pregnancies
When to see a doctor
Anyone who has concerns about breast changes during or after pregnancy should see their doctor.
It is essential to seek medical attention if breast lumps develop or if the nipples produce an unusual discharge that does not resemble colostrum. These symptoms are likely to be harmless, but it is a good idea to have a doctor check them.
Summary
Most women experience some breast changes during pregnancy due to rising hormones and increased blood volume.
However, not everyone experiences these changes. A lack of breast changes does not signify anything about the health of the pregnancy or a woman’s ability to produce milk or breastfeed the baby.
Pregnancy-related breast changes can be uncomfortable. To manage symptoms, women can invest in a supportive bra, apply lotions to itchy skin, and wear pads for leakage. Most changes will reverse after the delivery of the baby or the discontinuation of breastfeeding.
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