Common Breast Changes During Pregnancy

Your waistline isn’t the only thing to grow during pregnancy, you may find that your bra size increases too. During pregnancy, your breasts are going through changes to prepare them for breastfeeding, so you may notice a number of changes occur, including:

Increased cup size
As early as week six, you may notice your breasts getting bigger. By the end of the pregnancy, you are likely to be at least a cup size bigger than you were before the pregnancy. Your breasts will continue to grow throughout the pregnancy, and you are likely to need to buy a number of new bras in this time.

Stretch marks
As your breasts increase in size, you may notice stretch marks appearing on the skin. Though there are plenty of products available all claiming to reduce stretch marks, there is little scientific evidence to back up these claims. While the stretch marks may be dark at first, rest assured that they will fade and become less noticeable over time.

Breast tenderness
Sore breasts is a common complaint of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Hormonal changes cause breast tenderness, and even accidental brushes can be painful during the early weeks of pregnancy. Many women find that the discomfort eases in the second trimester, but until then:

  • wear a supportive and well-fitting maternity bra
  • wear a cotton bra to bed
  • be extra careful to avoid knocking your breasts

Nipple changes
The areolas darken and become larger during pregnancy. Small bumps begin to appear on the areola. These bumps are known as Montgomery’s tubercles, and secrete oil to help protect the nipple from bacteria.

Veins
Many women report that their veins become more noticeable during pregnancy, and this is true for the veins on the breasts too. Increased blood flow is responsible for this change, and the veins will become less noticeable once you stop breastfeeding (or after the birth, if you do not breastfeed).

Milk production
Some women lactate during pregnancy. Your breasts are able to produce milk during the second trimester. At this stage, your breasts will produce colostrum and you may notice occasional leakage from your nipples. If the colostrum leaks through to your clothes, you may find it useful to wear breast pads.

The good news is that these common breast changes during pregnancy signal everything is going right – your body is preparing to continue nourishing your baby after birth.

Have you noticed any breast changes during pregnancy? Were breast changes the giveaway that you were expecting a child?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Will My Boobs Ever Be the Same?

After having your baby and nursing, you may have a new appreciation for what your breasts can do. But you might be starting to wonder if your boobs will ever look the same again.

Along with the rest of your body, your breasts probably underwent some changes during pregnancy. Some of which may be continuing even after you had your baby. You knew your breasts would get larger and maybe change a little, but are these changes permanent?

It’s difficult to say whether your breasts will be exactly the same after you wean your baby. It may depend on how much weight you gained, how fast you gained it, and if this is your first baby or your fourth. It also depends on what changes you are talking about.

Some of the changes, such as larger and darker nipples, may go away a few months after you stop nursing. Cracked, sore nipples from breastfeeding will also go away. But a few other changes may be here to stay.

Between pregnancy weight gain, hormones and your milk coming in, your breast tissue expanded and your skin stretched. As a result, some women develop stretch marks on their breasts. In some cases, laser treatments and prescription retinoid creams may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but results vary. Keep in mind, these treatments are not recommended while you are breastfeeding.

Once you stop breastfeeding, your breasts may or may not return to their pre-pregnancy size. Some women notice their boobs are a bit smaller or a bit larger. You may also notice “the girls” are not as perky as they were before. Before you blame breastfeeding for your drooping boobies, pregnancy is the real culprit.

During pregnancy, your breasts increased in size, which caused the ligaments that support them to stretch. The stretching is what can lead to sagging.

It’s important to understand, everyone is different, and not all women experience permanent changes in how their breasts look. But if you’re unhappy with your post-pregnancy breasts, there are a few things you can try. For example, a good, supportive bra may add a little oomph to your cleavage.

Also, once you get the go-ahead to work out, consider adding a little strength training to your routine. Pushups, chest flys and bench presses all work the pectoral muscles, which are the muscles that support your breasts. Working your chest muscles won’t give you a larger cup size or fuller breasts. But developing your pectoral muscles, may give your chest a little perkier, lifted appearance.

Lastly, try to focus on what an amazing thing your body did. Your breasts provided the nutrition your baby needed. Regardless of your cup size, that’s a beautiful thing.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.