• Home
  • Brooke Burke
  • Must Have
  • Recalls
  • Contributors
  • Contests & Twitter Parties
  • Become An Insider
  • ModernMom Store

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • Ask Dr. Psych Mom
  • Cooking
  • Around The House
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
  • Career
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Hot Topics
  • Games
You are here: Home / Parenting / Breast Pain During Pregnancy

Breast Pain During Pregnancy

January 5, 2011 by ds_5462 Leave a Comment

Breast pain can occur during the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy. Usually one of the earliest signs that you are expecting, breast pain can also occur in the final stages of pregnancy as your breasts become ready for your milk to come in shortly after the birth. While much of the discomforts of pregnancy are due to fluctuating hormones, with a little knowledge and gentle care you can reduce breast pain during pregnancy.

First Trimester

Tender breasts are often the first signal that you are pregnant, typically occurring approximately two weeks after conception. At this time, your body’s estrogen and progesterone levels rise to ready the breasts for milk production. Also, as soon as you are pregnant, the milk ducts in your breasts will start expanding in size. This can be painful. First-trimester tenderness typically feels similar to menstrual-cycle breast tenderness.

Second Trimester

During the second trimester, your breast size will noticeably increase as your body prepares for the business of manufacturing and storing milk for your baby and excess fat stores also begin to build in the breasts. The level of breast tenderness experienced during the first trimester may decrease during this period. However, your nipples may become quite tender and remain so until the end of the pregnancy.

Third Trimester

The third trimester usually sees a return of overall breast tenderness. This is caused by a new hormone, prolactin, which stimulates your milk glands to manufacture colostrum, the initial liquid your breasts produce before your milk comes in, if you elect to breastfeed. During this trimester, your breasts will feel heavy and full. They can account for approximately three pounds of your pregnancy weight by the end of gestation, according to MayoClinic.com.

Treatment

Breast tenderness during pregnancy generally cannot be avoided, but you can take measures to reduce its severity.

Wearing a supportive bra is the first line of defense for pregnancy breast tenderness. A poor fitting bra that does not support your breasts will exacerbate the problem. Remember, your breasts are increasing in size throughout pregnancy, so bras with adequate support will be key to your comfort. Wearing a bra at night while you sleep may also reduce discomfort, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. Be kind to your breasts during bathing. Rough washcloths and vigorous scrubbing will irritate already tender nipples. Wash gently and rinse with care to avoid additional pain.

Warning

Breast tenderness that feels different than usual, is much more severe, or is accompanied by red skin, a rash or other problems should be evaluated by your doctor. Milk ducts can become infected and require treatment. If your breasts become inflamed and hot to the touch, call your medical professional to seek advice.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Parenting

About ds_5462

Candace Webb has been writing professionally since 1989. She has worked as a full-time journalist as well as contributed to metropolitan newspapers including the "Tennessean." She has also worked on staff as an associate editor at the "Nashville Parent" magazine. Webb holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in business from San Jose State University.

Search

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Brooke Burke: My Slim Down Secrets

Brooke Burke: My Slim Down Secrets

Everywhere I look, I hear about a new fitness fad, a quick …[Read More...]

ModernMom TV

Quick Ways to Cook a Round Steak

Quick Ways to Cook a Round Steak

Tips for Cooking Round Steak - Simple, Fast and …[Read More...]

How to Use Frozen Bananas for Baking

How to Use Frozen Bananas for Baking

Most baking recipes that call for bananas require them to be …[Read More...]

Do You Have to Refrigerate Glazed Donuts?

Do You Have to Refrigerate Glazed Donuts?

  If you've just bought a dozen freshly glazed donuts, …[Read More...]

Substitution for Oil in Baking Brownies

Substitution for Oil in Baking Brownies

There's never anything better than sitting down and munching …[Read More...]

Causes of Lethargy in Toddlers

Causes of Lethargy in Toddlers

Common Causes of Lethargy in Toddlers Parents just know …[Read More...]

How to Repair Scratches in Glass Tabletops

How to Repair Scratches in Glass Tabletops

Glass tabletops are gorgeous, yet you quickly discover that …[Read More...]

How to Find Out Your Pregnancy Due Date

How to Find Out Your Pregnancy Due Date

Ready or not, he's coming. The usual date of your period …[Read More...]

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2019 · Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc. The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.