Breast Changes During Pregnancy: What Can You Expect

Breast changes are a normal phenomenon during pregnancy, and occur due to hormonal fluctuations. In fact, breast changes are considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and they continue to change as your pregnancy progresses every week.

The breast changes that you experience during pregnancy often occur due to changes in the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones in your body, which play a crucial role in preparing your breasts for lactation. While oestrogen stimulates the growth of your breast duct cells and generates the secretion of prolactin for milk production, progesterone supports the growth and formation of the milk-producing cells and stimulates breast enlargement.

Check out more details about how your breasts change during each trimester and ways to ease discomfort and pain that you might experience throughout your pregnancy.

Breast Changes During the First Trimester

Tenderness and Discomfort

Breast tenderness and discomfort is one of the early pregnancy symptoms you might experience even before a missed period. Your breasts may become heavy, sore, and feel tingly, as early as one to two weeks after conception. Your nipples may also feel sensitive and painful to touch. 

These changes essentially occur due to increased blood flow to your blood tissue, and rising hormone levels in your body.  The tenderness may subside after a few weeks, however, you might experience this symptom again, during the later stages of pregnancy.

Breast Enlargement

During the first trimester of your pregnancy, you might notice an increase in your breast size. But don’t panic, as it is a normal occurrence and is a sign that your body is preparing for milk production and lactation. Additionally, your breasts may continue to increase in size even after giving birth, while nursing.

The Appearance of Blue Veins

Your blood volume increases rapidly during pregnancy, and as a result of this, you may notice prominent blue veins appearing in several areas of your skin, including your breasts and stomach. These veins are crucial as they carry blood and vital nutrients around your body and to the developing fetus.

Breast Changes During the Second Trimester

Darker Areolas

The areolas are the coloured circles around your nipples. Over the course of your second and third trimesters, your areolas will become darker, and also appear larger. This symptom usually occurs due to hormonal changes, and often your areola returns to its pre-pregnancy colour after nursing.

Bumps in Your Areola

You may also notice small, painless bumps around your areolas during the second trimester. These are oil-producing glands, known as the Montogomery’s tubercles, which act as lubricants and promote an easier breastfeeding experience.

Nipple Discharge

Some women might also notice nipple discharge during their second trimester. For others, this symptom may only occur during the third trimester or after childbirth. The discharge appears thick and yellow in colour, and is termed colostrum, an essential nutrient that boosts the immune function of your newborn during the first few weeks of their life.

Breast Changes During the Third Trimester

Increase In Breast Size and Other Changes

Your breasts may become even larger and heavier during the third trimester. Additionally, your areolas continue to darken, and you might also notice colostrum leaks more frequently.

Appearance of Stretch Marks

Rapid tissue growth causes your skin to stretch, leading to stretch marks around your breast. Almost all women develop stretch marks on their breasts and other body parts (thighs, buttocks) during pregnancy, but with proper care, their apperance can be diminished during the postpartum period.

Helpful Tips to Ease Breast Discomfort

Certain breast changes during pregnancy, such as itchy skin, leaking breasts, and pain might make you uncomfortable. We have listed a few tips to help you overcome these concerns.

• Wear breast pads to absorb leakage: Consider wearing breast pads to absorb colostrum leakage. You can either opt for disposable ones or reusable breast pads.
• Apply oils and lotions: Nourish your skin with moisturising oils and lotions to relieve skin itchiness and tightening. Make sure whatever ingredients you are using are pregnancy-safe and don’t affect your baby’s health adversely.
• Apply a warm compress: If you are experiencing breast pain due to clogged milk ducts, then try applying a warm compress on areas where you feel pain. This can help ease soreness and relieve blockage.
• Go for a supportive and well-fitting bra: Invest in a wide-strapped and adjustable bra that you can wear comfortably during pregnancy. Also, ensure that the bra material is cotton to avoid any irritation or itching in your skin.

Breast Changes to Expect After Pregnancy

After childbirth, your breasts remain enlarged due to milk production. However, once you stop nursing, your breasts may return to their normal shape, size, and colour. Sometimes, your breasts may appear even droopier after pregnancy. But it only occurs to those who have a high body mass index, or those who have experienced several prior pregnancies. 

When to Contact Your Doctor?

If you have any concerns about your breast changes during pregnancy or after, then you should definitely consult your doctor. Also, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you notice lumps in your breasts or notice an unusual discharge from your nipples that doesn’t resemble colostrum. 

Conclusion

Breast changes during pregnancy are completely normal and mostly occur due to hormonal changes. While you may experience different symptoms in each trimester, some signs remain constant throughout pregnancy. If you experience severe breast pain at any point during pregnancy or notice lumps around your nipples, then ensure to consult your healthcare provider immediately and get a thorough medical check-up to rule out the possibility of any dangers. 

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