What is the difference between breast pain during pregnancy and breast pain during menstruation?

Women will experience various uncomfortable symptoms after pregnancy, such as severe morning sickness, breast pain, back pain, etc. The body will also undergo some changes, so women should be mentally prepared and relax before becoming pregnant. These symptoms are normal during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant for the first time should not worry too much and should do relevant pregnancy care to ensure that they can cope with every stage of pregnancy easily and enjoy the feelings brought by the fetus during pregnancy.

What is the difference between breast pain during pregnancy and menstrual breast pain?

1. Breast pain during pregnancy: Many women will experience breast hyperplasia around 40 days after pregnancy because the placenta and villi secrete large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, etc., which will cause the breasts to enlarge and cause breast pain. For some pregnant women, this pain will last throughout the entire pregnancy. This is a normal condition and does not require treatment. Some care can be done to alleviate the symptoms.

2. Breast pain before menstruation: Many women may experience breast fullness and tenderness before menstruation. In addition, some women's breasts will feel swollen and painful when they are slightly bumped. After menstruation, the above symptoms can be relieved or disappear.

Due to pregnancy factors, the placenta and villi begin to secrete large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, causing breast enlargement, so pregnant women will feel breast pain. This is a normal phenomenon and pregnant women do not need to worry too much. You can do some massage and hot compress to better relieve chest discomfort, so that pregnant women can transition through pregnancy more comfortably.

How long does it take for breast pain to occur during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, breast pain will be more severe in the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy. Breast tenderness during pregnancy is caused by changes in hormone levels. From the moment the fertilized egg implants into the ovum, the endocrine system in the female body begins to change. Among them, one of the most obvious signs is breast sensitivity and pain. This is due to the increased hormone levels in the pregnant woman's body. This distending pain is very similar to what women feel before their period, but it is more intense.

The chest pain will improve significantly after 3 months of pregnancy, because the pregnant woman's body has adapted to the hormonal changes during pregnancy since the second trimester. For breast swelling and pain symptoms after pregnancy, pregnant women can use breast care methods such as hot compresses and massage to relieve them. It is important to note that the breasts are very fragile during this period, and pregnant women should be gentle during care to avoid damaging the nipples.

In addition, the enlargement of breasts is also the most obvious visible change for all women after pregnancy. Under the action of progesterone, the breasts of pregnant women will gradually swell in order to ensure sufficient milk for the baby in the future. During the 3rd to 4th month of pregnancy, the breasts will grow faster, the growth rate will slow down in the second trimester, and the breasts of pregnant women will continue to grow in the third trimester. As for how big the breasts can grow during pregnancy, it depends on the physical condition of different people. The breast changes of some pregnant women are not very obvious, while the breast growth of some pregnant women can even reach three times the usual size. Therefore, pregnant women need to pay special attention to nutritional supplements during pregnancy to ensure the nutritional needs for "secondary development" of the breasts. Finally, I would like to remind all expectant mothers to take good care of their breasts during pregnancy. You should usually clean your nipples and keep them dry and hygienic.

How should pregnant mothers deal with the various changes during pregnancy?

1. Early pregnancy

When the pregnancy reaches about the 5th week, pregnant women usually experience various symptoms of morning sickness. At this time, the breasts also begin to change, such as the nipples becoming darker and the blood vessels just below the breasts becoming more and more obvious. Around 3 to 4 months of pregnancy, most people's breasts begin to grow larger. In addition to slight pain, they may occasionally feel lumps. This is due to the development of the mammary glands and increased hormone secretion. In addition, varicose veins will continue to appear just below the breast skin, and the nipple will become darker in color. These changes are in preparation for future lactation, so don't be too nervous. Almost all pregnant women will feel swollen, but some people will not feel obvious pain, while some people will even feel pain after delivery.

At this time, pregnant mothers can choose slightly loose underwear. If the pain is severe, they can use a cold towel to cool the chest (no need to use ice).

2. Mid-pregnancy

In the second half of pregnancy, the weight has increased by about 5 to 6 kilograms. Not only will the belly be noticeably bulging, but the breasts will also become noticeably larger. One glance at the outside will tell that the original bra is no longer suitable, and you should start wearing larger maternity underwear. In addition, milk may begin to be produced in the breasts during this period, so the nipples will secrete a small amount of white milk. Furthermore, pregnant women can self-evaluate and start preparing for postpartum breastfeeding between 20 and 24 weeks, such as nipple care and breast massage; however, the frequency and strength of the massage should be moderate in order to promote blood circulation and breast development.

At this time, due to the continued expansion of the breasts, pregnant mothers should choose an appropriate bra (excessive pressure on the nipples will hinder the development of the breasts). If you have milk leakage, you can put a cotton pad inside your bra and gently wash it with warm water when taking a bath.

3. Late pregnancy

In principle, there are no new changes in the breasts in the later stage, they just follow the enlargement in the middle stage, and the swelling is of course more severe. During this period, breast development almost reaches its peak, and milk can be secreted almost by simply pressing the nipple. More than 10 kilograms is the weight that a pregnant woman may gain in the last period of her pregnancy, some of which is contributed slightly by the enlargement of the breasts. The degree of breast development throughout pregnancy is one of the key factors in determining the amount of milk secretion. According to statistics, if the breasts weigh 200 grams before pregnancy, they may weigh 400 to 800 grams at their peak during pregnancy, which is about two to three times the size.

At this time, pregnant mothers must wear a full-cover bra that is weight-bearing, breathable and comfortable, and continue mid-term massage care; they can knead the nipples to increase their toughness; after 32 weeks, breast massage can be slightly extended in time depending on personal body reactions.