Changes in the breast during pregnancy

General

In addition to muscles, connective tissue, nerves, blood and lymph vessels, the female breast consists of fatty tissue, glands and milk ducts.

Many women notice changes in their breasts as the first sign of pregnancy. Due to the hormonal changes in the body and the associated enlargement of the glandular tissue and milk ducts and a stronger blood circulation, the breasts become larger and can react sensitively to touch. Many women are already familiar with these symptoms as part of their normal monthly cycle. In contrast to this, the changes in the breast during pregnancy are usually more pronounced.

Breast changes during pregnancy continuously. In the first trimester of pregnancy (first to twelfth week of pregnancy (SSW)) stands through the sharp rise in hormones for many women the growth of the breast is in the foreground. In the second trimester of pregnancy (13th to 28th week of pregnancy) the speed of growth decreases somewhat. The nipples can appear a little darker and in some cases can already be from this phase of pregnancy Foremilk, the so-called Colostrumto exit.

Read more about the topic here Changes in nipples during pregnancy

In the third trimester of pregnancy (29th to 40th week of pregnancy) the breast is actively preparing for this Breastfeeding in front. The actual milk injection usually follows a few days after the birth. However, the changes in the breast during pregnancy vary from woman to woman.

causes

Especially the hormonal changes during pregnancy have an impact on changes in the whole body, and changes in the breast in particular.

To the Hormonesthat are increasingly formed during and after pregnancy count those female sex hormones estrogen and Progesterone, such as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Prolactin and Oxytocin. In particular, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and oxytocin play an important role in breast changes during pregnancy. Due to estrogen and progesterone there is one Increase in the mammary ducts and thus to increased breast growth. Prolactin and oxytocin do that Milk penetration, the Milk production and the Milk transport during the Breastfeeding.

Symptoms

While the breast changes in the course of the pregnancy due to the hormonal changes, a multitude of symptoms arise that the expectant mother can perceive. Since the change in the breast during pregnancy is very individual, the pregnant woman can observe more or less accompanying symptoms.

Many women feel a feeling of tension, tingling and tenderness of the breasts, especially in early pregnancy. Sometimes they can also feel hot and puffy. To relieve the discomfort, the breasts can be rubbed with creams (with, for example, chamomile or marigold) or treated with cool compresses.
Please also read our article on this Swelling of the chest.

Often, chest and / or back pain occurs due to the increased breast growth during pregnancy. In this case, a well-supported bra (without underwire, with a wide band and wide straps) can prevent chest and back pain.

The increased blood flow may make the veins more visible. These will be visible as blue lines around the nipple.

Furthermore, so-called stretch marks (Latin striae gravidarum) or stretch marks can occur due to the rapid growth of the breasts. These are tears in the connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue and are caused by the strong stretching of the skin. They can appear on the chest, stomach, thighs, and buttocks. They initially shimmer blue-red and fade over time. Usually white or silver-colored scars remain, which no longer completely disappear. The development of stretch marks on the skin cannot be completely prevented, as this also depends on the skin and connective tissue of a woman. However, pregnant women can influence the extent to a certain extent by, among other things, cream, oil and massage.

Inflammation of the breast called mastitis may develop while breastfeeding. One or both breasts are red, hardened, hot and swollen and a fever may occur. Causes can either be a blockage of the milk in the milk ducts or an infection by bacteria. In this case, a gynecologist should be consulted, as antibiotic therapy should possibly be initiated.

1st trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy describes that first to third Month of pregnancy or the first to twelfth week of pregnancy.

Many women notice changes in their breasts as the first sign of pregnancy. Due to the strong increase in Pregnancy hormones and the associated Increase in the mammary ducts For many women, breast growth is in the foreground, usually around one to two cup sizes. The chest may itch, tingle, and sometimes feel hot and swollen. A feeling of tension and sensitivity to even light touches can also occur. Many women notice a significant increase in breast size between the sixth and eighth week of pregnancy. Between the eighth and twelfth week of pregnancy, the nipples and especially the areola (Area around nipples) become darker and sometimes straighten up a little.

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2nd trimester of pregnancy

The second trimester describes that fourth through sixth Month of pregnancy or the 13th to 28th week of pregnancy.

The unpleasant symptoms like itching, feelings of tension and tenderness to take in most women from and it shows up now slight growth of the breasts. In the second trimester, the breasts of the expectant mothers form one colorless foremilk as a preliminary stage to Breast milk. Some of this foremilk, also called colostrum, is already leaking out.

The aforementioned stretch marks may develop during the second trimester of pregnancy.

3rd trimester of pregnancy

aThe third trimester of pregnancy describes the seventh through ninth Month of pregnancy or the 29th to 40th week of pregnancy.

Even during this time one can continue slight growth showing the breasts. Since the breasts are now actively approaching Breastfeeding prepare, they can also get fuller and heavier. Tingling, itching and tightness of the breasts can also occur again in the third trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, some women notice lumps in their breasts, which are usually soft and movable and as a rule no need to worry represent. Nevertheless, expectant mothers should always seek advice from a gynecologist if they notice lumps in their breasts. After the birth it comes from the increased release of the hormone Prolactin for milk production and by the hormone Oxytocin to expel the milk. The size of the breast of the expectant mother does not matter, even women with small breasts can breastfeed their child without any problems.

Changes in the nipples during pregnancy

The nipples and areola also change during pregnancy, but differently from woman to woman. Especially in the first few weeks of pregnancy, like the entire breast, they can itch, tingle, burn and be very sensitive to touch. Small cracks may appear due to the rapid growth. Fragrance-free, skin-friendly products and possibly slightly moisturizing creams help against the various complaints. From the first trimester of pregnancy onwards, in preparation for future breastfeeding, the nipples and vestibules can become larger and darker and the nipples can straighten up a little.

The small nodules around the areola are also called Montgomery's glands. These are sebum and sweat glands that prevent the nipples from drying out and at the same time create a connection between the mother's nipples and the child's lips when breastfeeding.

Some women have so-called flat or inverted or inverted warts. Flat nipples do not stand out from the rest of the breast tissue; in the case of hollow or inverted nipples, the nipples point inwards and appear to be inverted. Women with flat or inverted nipples can also breastfeed, either by having the child pull the nipple out with their mouth or by stimulating the nipple with suitable aids and preparing it for breastfeeding. In any case, the mother-to-be can contact a breastfeeding counseling service if they have any questions and receive appropriate advice and support.

Read more about this topic here: Changes in nipples during pregnancy, Pus from the nipple