Breast discomfort often subsides after a few weeks, although it may return in the later stages of pregnancy. 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. 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. From weeks 14 to 27, the second trimester of pregnancy may bring about the following breast changes:. The areolas are the colored circles around the nipples. Over the course of the second and third trimesters, the areolas often become larger and darker. Some people believe that this occurs to help the newborn locate and latch onto the nipples.
Darkening areolas are likely to result from hormonal changes. Often, the areola returns to its prepregnancy color after breastfeeding, but it sometimes remains a shade or two darker than it was originally. Pregnancy causes small, painless bumps to appear on the areolas.
Some women may notice nipple discharge during their second trimester. For others, this may not occur until the third trimester or after labor. Discharge can occur at any time, but it is more likely when the breasts become stimulated. This thick, yellow discharge is colostrum, which is a liquid that boosts the immune function of newborns in the very early stages of breastfeeding. Lumpy breasts affect some individuals during pregnancy.
Usually, these lumps are not a cause for concern. They are often either:. However, it is still important to tell a doctor about any breast lumps that develop. Although the risk of breast cancer during pregnancy is low, especially in women under the age of 35 years, pregnancy can make it more difficult to diagnose and treat breast cancer.
Many of the breast changes that occur in the first and second trimesters will continue throughout the final months of pregnancy. The breasts can become even larger and heavier, the nipples may continue to darken, and colostrum might leak more regularly.
Rapid tissue growth causes the skin to stretch, which may lead to striae gravidarum, or stretch marks. Research indicates that between 50 and 90 percent of pregnant women develop stretch marks on their body, most commonly on the breasts, stomach, and thighs. These red lines typically occur in months 6 and 7 of pregnancy, but they can also appear before or after this time. However, women who do not experience dramatic breast changes during pregnancy should not worry about their ability to feed their baby.
After delivery, or sometimes before, the breasts produce small amounts of colostrum. 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. Many women experience breast discomfort during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, increased breast tissue production, and fat storage play a part in both breast and nipple changes. Much of this occurs as your body prepares to provide nourishment milk to your baby. To accomplish this, milk ducts multiply, milk sacs alveoli grow, and blood supply increases in your breasts throughout pregnancy.
And oh, remember those little bumps we mentioned above? Those are enlarging glands, known as Montgomery glands. These glands provide a soothing and antibacterial lubricant to protect the nipples. They also give off a scent that helps the newborn baby find the nipple at birth and initiate breastfeeding. Usually, most of the discomfort is tenderness from the swollen breast tissue and tends to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Wearing a well-fitted bra without an underwire can help to support your growing breasts.
A soft, sports cotton bra can provide some comfort at night, as well as prevent rubbing of sensitive nipples, in general. If your nipples feel dry and sensitive, there are over-the-counter nipple creams that lubricate and help your nipples heal. Everything from genetics, pre-pregnancy breast size and BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, age, and smoking status can affect how quickly you bounce back.
Many of these are functional as well as attractive, featuring front clasps and turn-down cups in quick-dry, breathable fabrics. If you have leaking breasts, look for bra styles that easily accommodate nursing pads while providing ample coverage.
To avoid this, plus keep your skin as supple as possible, rub on a good moisturizing cream or oil at least once a day and before bed. No stretch-mark cream is a tried-and-true miracle, but keeping skin moisturized may help reduce stretch marks, and eliminate dryness and itching. Pregnancy creates dramatic changes to your breasts. After delivery, your breasts will remain large as they continue to produce breast milk.
You may experience engorgement if your breasts become overly full or produce more milk than you are able to express. Breastfeeding or pumping often will help reduce engorgement. Others remain larger or lose some of their elasticity. These changes may be determined, in part, by many factors, including:. Your nipples may or may not go back to their original size and shape. They will become lighter in color over time after you stop breastfeeding. The hormonal changes of pregnancy help get your breasts ready for lactation.
Your breasts will become heavier and denser during this time. Your nipples will also darken. Others remain changed, staying larger or more lax. Have you noticed bumps around your nipples? Stretch marks look like indented streaks in your skin. They may be red, purple, or silver in appearance. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women.
Discover what they are here. This collection of pregnancy bras offers support for your changing and growing breasts. Are you wearing the right bra? Well, there's an 80 percent chance you're not, but luckily we have tips on finding the perfect and accurate fit. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign.
Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Early pregnancy First trimester Second trimester Third trimester Milk production Bras Stretch marks After pregnancy Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Pregnancy and breasts. Early signs of pregnancy.
Changes may include: breast swelling soreness or tenderness heavy feeling, or a feeling of fullness in your breasts Your breasts will continue to change and grow heavy throughout the first trimester.
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