Do nipples get bigger when you're pregnant?

If you have been diagnosed with pregnancy, you will find some slight changes in your body. At this time, symptoms such as enlarged nipples will appear. If it is not very serious, no treatment is required. This is a very common situation. There will also be changes in the breasts. For example, you will feel that your breasts have a tendency to sag. In this case, you must use a special bra to improve it.

1. Breast changes

Breast development, nipple enlargement, obvious veins under the skin of the breast, darkening of the nipple and areola, obvious protrusion of the nipple, small nodules around the nipple, and even tingling, swelling and itching of the breast may occur, and a small amount of milk may be squeezed out occasionally. These are all phenomena caused by pregnancy. Affected by progesterone, the breasts begin to enlarge and become more sensitive 4 to 6 weeks after pregnancy, and their total weight can increase to about 800 grams. The combined effects of increased weight and progesterone stretch the ligaments and fibrous tissue of the breasts, causing the breasts to tend to sag. Choose a special bra for protection. As the blood volume increases, some pregnant women may develop blue blood vein patterns on their breasts, which usually disappear naturally after delivery.

2. Abdomen

After pregnancy, the two bundles of rectus abdominis muscles that were originally connected in parallel in the abdomen gradually separate and stretch to both sides of the body to accommodate the growing uterus. At 3 months of pregnancy, 66% of pregnant women experience this rectus abdominis separation. This separation will not cause pain, but in some women the subabdominal tissue may push outward from the belly button. After delivery, it takes 6 weeks for the rectus abdominis muscle to regain its elasticity and slowly shrink. Appropriate exercise can help it shrink.

3. Hips

The hips of expectant mothers become wider and thicker, mainly due to the influence of progesterone. On the one hand, fat is easily accumulated, and on the other hand, the stability of the sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis on the pelvis becomes worse. Coupled with the pressure of the fetus, the gap of the pubic symphysis becomes wider. In addition to affecting the appearance, the above changes can also easily cause expectant mothers to feel pain near the groin or pelvic pain when doing twisting exercises such as turning, or going upstairs, getting into bed, getting out of a car, or even walking.

4. Hands

Under the influence of progesterone, water accumulation between cells increases, which can easily lead to edema of the upper limbs, especially the hands; the uterus compresses the main veins, the discharge of excess fluid is blocked, and it also leads to edema throughout the body. Edema is most obvious in the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Frequent hand massage can help reduce swelling. The swelling usually subsides within 5 days after delivery. If the swelling is severe, it is best to consult a doctor.

5. Legs

The relaxing effect of progesterone on the blood vessel walls causes the venous valves to close insufficiently, affecting the return of blood to the heart, and is most likely to form unsightly varicose veins in the legs. In addition, varicose veins may occur in the head and cause headaches, and in the rectum and cause hemorrhoids. The way to prevent it is to drink plenty of water, and especially avoid maintaining the same posture for a long time. For example, do not sleep on your back, do not cross your legs when sitting, do not spend too much time in the toilet, etc. In addition, it is best to elevate your calves when sitting down.

6. Oral cavity

The gums are congested, edematous and proliferate, and the gums are prone to bleeding when brushing teeth in the morning. In the past, it was believed that loose teeth were caused by calcium deficiency. Now it is known that the calcium in teeth is static and is not affected by fluctuations in blood calcium. Pregnant women often have increased saliva, which changes the pH value of saliva, and pantothenic acid can easily cause tooth decay during pregnancy.

7. Gastrointestinal

During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges, the stomach is lifted up, the intestines are pushed upward or to the sides of the abdominal cavity, and the cecum and appendix shift outward and upward, up to the level of the iliac crest. Once intestinal and appendicitis occur, abdominal pain is difficult to distinguish from uterine contractions, which can easily delay diagnosis. Due to the influence of a large amount of hormones, the tension of gastrointestinal smooth muscles decreases, peristalsis decreases and weakens, gastric emptying time is prolonged, and the upper abdominal bloating is easy to feel, so pregnant women should avoid eating too much.

Pregnant women have reduced intestinal motility, but the absorption function of the small intestine does not change. As the body's demand for iron and calcium increases, absorption actually increases. When feces stays in the large intestine for a long time, the water is gradually absorbed, making the feces dry and causing constipation. Constipation, combined with the compression of the enlarged uterus on the rectum and the dilating effect of sex hormones on the smooth muscles of the blood vessel walls, can often cause hemorrhoids or aggravate existing hemorrhoids.