Breast pain in pregnancy

introduction

Chest pain is the most common symptom in the breast area.

Chest pain that occurs in the rhythm of the monthly cycle (cyclical) are also called in technical jargon Mastodynia , whereas cycle-independent (acyclic) Chest pain as Mastalgia are designated.

Unilateral or bilateral chest pain that occurs during pregnancy is classed as breast pain that is independent of the cycle.
Chest pain, chest pulling, sensitivity to touch and a feeling of tension are typical of an existing pregnancy. Therefore, breast tenderness is one of the likely signs of pregnancy.

Read more about this at: Signs of pregnancy

However, it is not counted among the safe signs of pregnancy as it is also used for the early onset of Menstrual bleeding can speak.

Responsible for the discomfort in the breast area is hormonal changes during pregnancy.
One fifth of women with chest pain say that chest pain is a crucial factor in getting a pregnancy test such asClearblue®, and you determined to be pregnant based on these symptoms.

When does the pain start?

Chest pain, a Drawing in the breasts and feelings of tension in the breasts are typical of an existing pregnancy. These complaints can already occur at an early stage (5th - 8th week of pregnancy) occur.

Changes in the breasts (mammae) during pregnancy

Due to the hormonal changes, one occurs at an early stage (5th-8th week of pregnancy) Volume increase the breasts, which the pregnant woman perceives with a feeling of tension. In addition, there is a Expansion of the superficial veins and the Pigmentation of the nipples and the areola (Areola) intensifies so that they appear darker. Due to the enlargement of the mammary glands, the connective and fatty tissue of the breasts is displaced; this development is referred to as "Pregnancy adenosis". This change is promoted by a variety of hormones.

This makes the breasts feel when touched nodularly changed on. This touching can already from the 12th week of pregnancy to the A droplet of secretion emerges to lead. It refers to First milk (Colostrum), their ingredients water, Minerals, Fat droplets, exfoliated glandular epithelial cells and Foam cells (Lipid macrophages) are. The hormone prolactin, which is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, is responsible for the Production and excretion of breast milk. The extent of all the changes described varies from person to person and depends on the initial size of the breast and the number of glandular lobules. At the end of the pregnancy, however, every breast is dead enlarged about 400g.

Please also read our topic: Changes in nipples during pregnancy

What to do? What helps? What is relief?

It is reassuring that the pronounced chest pain that many women complain about at the beginning of pregnancy let up after the first three months. Despite this, there are some supportive measures that can help with the complaints and which Time to birth can facilitate.

This includes one Maternity bra with a good fit that ideally supports the chest. This should be made of cotton or silk, since lace bras can irritate the sensitive nipples and encourage inflammation. Wearing bras that are too small and constricting should also be avoided. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be advisable to wear a light maternity bra also at night to wear, so even at this time the Breasts be optimally supported. In order to find a suitable and well-fitting maternity bra, it is advisable to visit a specialist store, for example a maternity wear store.

Movements that provoke chest pain should be avoided if possible. Beyond that cool compresses Many affected people find it pleasant and can cause the breast tissue to swell slightly. Also gently Massages Soothing pregnancy oil or a fatty cream can help relieve breast pain during pregnancy.

Unilateral chest pain

Chest pain that occurs during pregnancy can be more pronounced on one side than on the other. Typically However, acute inflammation of the mammary gland is unilateral (mastitis) in the Puerperiumthat during this period as Puerperal mastitis referred to as. This can cause pronounced unilateral chest pain, so that even careful touching of the affected breast will not be tolerated by the woman in bed.

The puerperal mastitis occurs most often after the second week after birth and is caused by an infection with one of the following pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, less often streptococci, Proteus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pneumococci and Klebsiella.

Diagnosing this inflammation of the mammary gland is seldom difficult because the cardinal symptoms of inflammation are usually the symptoms (Redness, overheat, swelling, Painfulness, limited breastfeeding function). Typically, inflammation begins in the upper outer quadrant of a breast. If you suspect an inflammation of the mammary gland in the puerperium, you should always consult a doctor.

In the early stages of puerperal mastitis, it is advisable to immobilize the breast with a tight bra and to cool the breast. The Breast milk must be expressed and discarded. The giving of germ-containing breast milk to the baby is prohibited. Initially, antibiotic therapy can also be useful. If the inflammation is advanced, breastfeeding is necessary. Depending on the situation, the melting down of the inflammation must also be promoted with heat therapy such as red light or short waves so that the mature abscess can be opened.

Are Chest Pain a Sign of Pregnancy?

Clinical pregnancy signs can be broken down into uncertain, probable, and certain signs. All certain signs of pregnancy are based on the unborn child and are only noticeable in the second half of pregnancy.

To the sure signs of pregnancy what counts are the feeling or feeling of childlike movements, the feeling of childlike body parts and the hearing of the childlike heartbeat.

Likely signs of pregnancy are noticeable much earlier and are therefore also more important for the early diagnosis of pregnancy. The likely signs of pregnancy include: that Missing monthly menstrual period (Amenorrhea), Changes in the breasts (Enlargement, feeling of tension, pain, pulling, increased sensitivity), increased pigmentation of the nipples, of the Areolas and the Median line of the abdomen (Linea fusca) and Changes in size and consistency (softer) the uterus.

Changes in the vagina can be observed. These include: Increase in elasticity the vagina, velvety appearance of the vaginal skin, Discoloration of the vaginal skin and des Vaginal entrance (bluish-purple) by an increase in blood flow.

Furthermore, there are uncertain pregnancy signs that can make a possibly existing pregnancy more or less likely. Which includes: morning sickness and morning vomiting (Vomiting), Changes in appetite possibly with abnormal cravings, constipation (Constipation), frequent need to urinate (Pollakiuria), increased vaginal discharge (Vaginal fluoro) with no underlying infection.

Typical complaints in the Early pregnancy are Breast tenderness (70-80%) and Vomit (50-70%).
In addition, more than 50% of pregnant women complain of an increased urge to urinate, increased salivation, increased vaginal discharge, constipation and abnormal cravings in early pregnancy.