Changes in the breasts are very common during pregnancy. It indicates that the breasts are becoming ready to feed the baby.
The pregnant breast change is an early sign of pregnancy that generally develops due to hormonal fluctuations in the body.
When you become pregnant, your body produces a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
The HCG hormone levels in the body raises as your pregnancy progresses. Thus, your body undergoes several remarkable changes, which results in various pregnancy symptoms.
The fluctuation in the hormone levels during pregnancy leads to an increased supply of blood and change in the tissues of breast.
This, in turn, causes the breasts to feel very sensitive touch, tenderness, swelling, and tingling. The increased flow of blood to the breasts may also lead to the appearance of bluish veins beneath the skin.
Remember that the changes in pregnant breast usually develop approximately 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. The pregnant breast attains its natural form once the body regulates to the hormonal fluctuations.
Deposition of fat in the breast also leads to breast changes during pregnancy. This, in turn, result in increased size of milk glands. Thus, the pregnant breasts attain a larger size that is about a full cup size (especially when you are first time pregnant).
The size and weight of your breasts increases during the first trimester of pregnancy and as your breast size increases, the skin stretches where you may feel itchy and develop stretch marks.
You may also find that the nipples of your breast will increase and become darker. Even the areolas (small circular area around the nipple) become larger and darker and you may notice little bumps on the areolas, which produce an oil substance that keeps your nipples from getting dry.
Leakage of fluid called colostrum from the pregnant breast may also be noticed around 12-16 weeks of your pregnancy [12 Week Pregnant]. Colostrum is a fluid that is produced within first few days of delivery prior to milk production in the breasts.
The leakage of colostrum in the early stages of pregnancy will be thick and yellow color. It may seep out on its own or while breast massage or sexual activities. Remember that, in some cases, the colostrum production may not occur until after delivery.
You can reduce these changes of pregnant breast by following some simple tips. However, you cannot reduce the breast tenderness as well as swelling.
Make use of breast pads whenever the leakage of colostrum is more. Always air-dry your breasts for a few times each day and prefer disposable or washable breast pads.
Always wear a soft material supportive bra, without any seam at the nipple. Prefer cotton bras instead of synthetic, as it is breathable and gives more comfortness. A maternity bra can give extra support to pregnant breasts and gives more relaxation during your sleep.
It is highly recommended not to use soap on areolas and nipples of pregnant breast because it may make the skin to dry out.
