Breast changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an epitome of hormonal changes that not only are felt but shown in one’s external appearance. These hormonal changes during pregnancy cause an increase in blood flow and changes in the tissues of the breast that make the breast feel sore, swollen, tingly and unusually or weirdly sensitive to touch. Most women describe the sensation to be an exaggerated version of how their breasts feel just before their period. Tenderness of the breasts is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, which starts during 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy and lasts through the first trimester.

Apart from the feeling of tenderness, swelling and others mentioned earlier, the size of the breast also becomes bigger. You may notice your breasts growing bigger at around 6 to 8 weeks. You will have to move up a cup size or two, especially if you are awaiting your first baby.

The breasts will keep growing throughout your pregnancy and you may feel itchy when the skin stretches. Stretch marks may also develop on the breasts as they keep fluctuating in terms of growth and reduction. The nipples will get bigger and darker with veins appearing under the skin of your breasts. After the first few weeks, the areolas or pigmented circles around the nipples also get bigger and darker.

Around the third month of pregnancy, your breasts may start producing colostrum, which is the special milk that the baby will need when he or she first starts nursing. In fact, during the last few months of pregnancy, you may begin to leak a small amount of the thick yellowish substance, though some women start to leak earlier.

To handle the changes in breasts during pregnancy with ease, you will have to buy certain bras that are custom tailored for pregnant women. These are popularly known as maternity bras. When shopping for maternity bras, make sure that they fit the best when the clasp is on the tightest setting.

You may also like to read: How to Reduce Breast Size

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