Introduction:
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for a woman because it not only creates a new life but also alters the body to lodge and nurture a growing baby for nine months and prepares the body to provide nourishment after birth. The belly is not the only part of the body that changes during pregnancy. Along with the belly bump, some other changes also occur during pregnancy. Breast pain is the first thing that one experiences during pregnancy even before one takes a pregnancy test or experiences other signs and symptoms that give a clue that one might be pregnant.
Why Are There Changes in the Body During Pregnancy?
The fluctuations in hormonal levels in the body can cause changes during pregnancy. The hormones responsible for changes during pregnancy include progesterone, prolactin, and estrogen. The breasts get enlarged mainly due to the hormone estrogen. Swelling happens because the breast's milk ducts start growing to prepare the breast for breastfeeding the newborn child. The increased blood supply to the breast is another reason why the breast changes in early pregnancy. While breast changes during pregnancy may not be a pleasant experience, they are a natural part of the body's preparation for the pregnancy process.
Can Breast Changes Occur in Both Pregnancy and PMS?
Many early pregnancy symptoms may resemble those that occur during the menstrual cycle, especially during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Changes in mood, constipation, breast pain, tenderness, and fatigue can occur in PMS and pregnancy. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, women may experience soreness, heaviness, or tenderness in the breasts as a symptom of PMS. The breasts may also feel lumpy or achy.
What Are the Types of Changes That Occur in the Breast During Pregnancy?
The types of changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy may include:
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Growth and enlargement may be noticed around six to eight weeks of pregnancy. The breasts will grow in size and continue to enlarge throughout pregnancy.
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Pregnant women will feel tenderness and hypersensitivity in the breast. Hormones in the body will prepare the breasts for lactation. The milk ducts that are growing and being stretched will be filled with milk early in pregnancy. Hence, the breasts become more sensitive, particularly in the nipples, and can cause discomfort.
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The nipples and areolas (the skin around the nipples) may get darkened. This is due to the action of the hormones that affect the pigmentation of the skin.
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Engorged veins in the breasts occur due to increased blood supply.
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By the third month, the breasts may start leaking a yellowish, thick substance called colostrum, or pre-milk. Colostrum or pre-milk is a sweet and watery fluid that is easy to digest. It appears thick and yellow at first, and as the delivery draws near, it becomes pale and almost colorless. Colostrum provides the baby with the first few meals before the milk comes in.
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A discharge may occur in the breast at any time when the breasts are massaged, or when sexually stimulated. It is normal to get breast discharge. Also, it is not abnormal when there are no discharges in the second trimester.
How Will a Woman Feel When She Has Some Changes in Her Breast During Pregnancy?
The woman may feel like her breasts are swollen, sensitive, tender, or sore due to changes in hormonal levels. The breasts may also feel heavier and fuller. These changes will usually occur one to two weeks after conception and may last until the progesterone levels get settled. Most women may complain of pain, but the level of discomfort varies.
Does One Need to Consult a Physician for Breast Changes During Pregnancy?
Breast changes in early pregnancy are very normal. However, it is very important to understand whether there are any chances of developing breast cancer or a tumor during this time. One must not fail to talk to the healthcare provider and get a complete breast examination done if one notices any lump in the breasts throughout their pregnancy.
Self-breast examination during pregnancy is very important. It can be difficult to identify any abnormal changes due to the other changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy. But, it is essential to examine the breasts during pregnancy every four to five weeks. Clogged milk ducts are the common lumps found in women during pregnancy. The symptoms may include:
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Redness.
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Tenderness.
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Hard lumps.
Warm compresses (dipping a washcloth in hot water) and massages will normally clear the duct in a few days. If there is any new lump, one must inform the doctor.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Breast Discomforts During Pregnancy?
The breast may undergo many changes during early pregnancy. This can lead to pain, soreness, and severe discomfort. Some remedies to reduce the discomfort in the breast are as follows:
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Using a Bra With Correct Size: One must wear a correct-sized bra. This will reduce the discomfort and will also support the back muscles. The breast size may increase during early pregnancy; therefore, one must not stick to their old bra. Maternity bras with extra hooks will help adjust the bra throughout pregnancy. Using under-wired bras during pregnancy must be avoided. Cotton bras that are more breathable and comfortable should be used. Synthetic fabrics and satin will add friction and may irritate the skin hence, they must be avoided.
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Nighttime Support: Using a pregnancy sleep bra (cotton bra) will support the tender breasts at night.
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Breast Pads: Breast pads can reduce discomfort during pregnancy. These pads can also absorb the leaked colostrum and leave the breasts air-dry.
Tips to Reduce Discomfort in the Breast:
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Warm water should be used while bathing, and applying soap over the nipples should be avoided to prevent dryness.
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A gentle massage on the breasts can minimize discomfort.
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It is necessary to protect the breasts from actions that cause bruising to avoid adding pain to the already sore and tender breasts.
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One must explain to their partner how one feels and ask their partner to keep their hands off the breasts while having sex.
What Are the Causes of Breast Lumps During Pregnancy?
It is common to develop breast lumps during pregnancy. The most common reasons for the occurrence of breast lumps in pregnancy are:
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Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs.
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Galactoceles: They are milk-filled cysts.
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Fibroadenomas: These are the hard deposits that develop in the breast's lobules.
Even though 80 percent of breast lumps in pregnancy are benign (noncancerous), it is very important to consult a healthcare provider if one notices any such lumps.
Conclusion:
The breasts grow and change in size and shape to prepare the woman to feed the baby when the baby is born. Rapid growth in the size of the breasts during pregnancy can cause one to feel itchy since the skin stretches. The breasts may also progress to increase in size after delivery during the lactation phase. Breast cancer among women younger than 35 is very rare. However, women planning for pregnancy over the age of 35 should consult with their doctor and get a mammogram before getting pregnant.
