Breast Changes in Pregnancy: Trimester by Trimester, Reasons, Deal with Discomfort

Breast Changes in Pregnancy: Changes in breast size during pregnancy are as normal as ageing. There are hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone that eventually make breast tissues milk-producing tissues, preparing breasts for lactation. These changes are continuous; many women face them throughout pregnancy, but there is no fixation on symptoms as everyone has having different body. Let’s try to understand these changes trimester-wise.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy: First Trimester (0-12 weeks)

During the first trimester, one can witness tenderness in breast, some people complain that their nipples have become so sensitive that it hurts them even if it gets touched. Breasts might feel really heavy, even Montgomery tubercles (small bumps on the areola) can be seen, which produce sebaceous that keeps the areola and nipples soft. Also, enlargement in the size of the breasts can be seen, which continues gradually till the birth of the child.

As the skin gets stretched because of enlargement, one might face itching in the breasts as well. During pregnancy, about 50% blood supply increases in the body, and that makes the veins quite more visible in various parts of the body, including the breasts. All these symptoms are really common.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy: Second Trimester (13-26 weeks)

During the second trimester, one might notice some yellowish or watery discharge from both breasts, one breast or no discharge at all. This is because the body starts preparing milk for the child in the body around about 16^th week of pregnancy. Some people might have this discharge in later phases of pregnancy or after childbirth. If the colour of discharge is reddish, one should consult with the doctor about the same. Even darker colour of areolas can be noticed that continues changing till the birth of the child.

Sometimes lumps in the breast also get formed, which can be like clotted milk called galactoceles, as the body has started producing milk or fibroadenomas that can be a breast tumour. One should not worry about these lumps as these are very common during the pregnancy period, but one should consult a doctor about the same for better diagnosis.

Breast Changes in Pregnancy: Third Trimester (27-40 weeks)

All the changes that take place in either the first or second trimester continue in the third trimester; those who did not experience such symptoms might develop them in the third trimester. The size of the breast continues to grow, the colour of the areola gets even darker, and discharge from the nipples also continues. Even the stretch marks become quite visible as the skin continues to get stretched, some might start noticing stretch marks even earlier. About 50-90% of women develop stretch marks.

What is the reason for these changes?

The major reason for these changes is that the body is getting ready to feed the child with the mother’s milk as milk production is necessary to take place. Babies do require something in moderate amounts that can help their immune system. This can be either after delivery or even before the woman’s body starts producing colostrum, which comprises nutritional values that can help provide the baby nutrients that are essential nutrients. After 5 days to 2 weeks, milk starts coming instead of colostrum, which can be fed to the child from a minimum of 6 months of breastfeeding to normally 1-2 years.

How to deal with the discomfort?

Many women do feel very uncomfortable because of the continuous changes taking place in their body, it’s very important to motorise the breasts during the time of pregnancy by the lotions prescribed by the doctor, also oil massage can be an option, even though people also prefer that as there is generally considered to be helpful for stretch marks but research says that these are not that helpful, but eventually after delivery these stretch marks starts disappearing themselves.

Massage from the sore to the areola can help in releasing milk ducts. As the size of the breasts continues to grow, it’s important to change the bras accordingly, as breasts require support during pregnancy, bras should be worn and of the right fit. One should also use sleeping bras as they do provide more comfort, and bra pads can be an option for discharge taking place.

What to do if breasts are engorged?

They are intensely filled, and the breast tissue feels like rock solid. This can happen for 24 to 80 hours. For most women, this can be resolved by softening the areola by pumping it out or by reverse pressure softening, in which 3 fingers can be pushed in and back.

Can these changes ever reverse?

Yes, for most of the women, when the breastfeeding period ends, the size gets back to normal slowly, but in some cases, it might take less time while in other more. But there are some women who have to live with the breast size that develops during pregnancy.

When to consult the doctor?

A person should consult the doctor when the pain is extreme, reddish discharge, or breast lumps are among the symptoms. Also, according to one’s need, one can contact the doctor and discuss the changes in the body.

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A note from kamarth – Breast Changes in Pregnancy

As everyone has having different body so the changes differ from person to person, but the most common ones are discussed here. One should go for a breast checkup during the time of pregnancy regularly and avoid taking stress for such changes, rather enjoy the journey towards motherhood.

Some Additional Doubt

Question: How to clean the breasts during pregnancy?
Answer: Breasts need to be washed with only clean water, and no usage of soap should be there, as sebaceous gland secretion will dry up and cause nipples and areola to start cracking after drying. Prescribed ointment and moisturiser can help.

Question: What can be used for an adequate milk supply?
Answer: Overnight soaking of either fenugreek seeds or dill seeds can be boiled, and the remaining water can be taken, which helps in adequate milk supply. Even garlic, milk products in the diet can help.

Question: If a person doesn’t face such changes, will it affect milk production?
Answer: That is not the case; these changes do not guarantee more or less milk production, and hormonal changes affect the ability to produce milk.

Question: What causes breast changes during pregnancy?
Answer: During pregnancy, Hormonal changes prepare the breasts for milk production and breastfeeding.

Question: When should a pregnant woman consult a doctor about breast changes?
Answer: If you feel extreme pain, reddish discharge, or noticeable lumps, then you have to consult with the doctor.

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