Will my breasts hurt when I'm pregnant?

After pregnancy, people are in a happy stage. However, as the pregnancy time gets longer, the bodies of expectant mothers will slowly begin to undergo some changes. In the earliest stages of pregnancy, there will be pain in the chest because this is preparation for breastfeeding. The breasts are beginning to change quietly, and the breasts of many pregnant mothers will also become larger.

How much do you know about the little secrets of breasts during pregnancy

Among these pregnancy symptoms, breast tenderness is probably something that every pregnant mother will experience. Since entering pregnancy, the breasts of expectant mothers have begun to undergo great changes. This is because it is actively preparing for breastfeeding!

During pregnancy, breasts will increase by 2 to 3 cup sizes.

During pregnancy, the breasts will undergo secondary development, increasing significantly by 2 to 3 cup sizes. Once the breastfeeding period is over, the breasts will return to their original size. What's even more cruel is that if the breasts are not properly cared for, they may shrink, sag, or even have one side larger than the other after weaning. Some pregnant mothers choose not to wear bras because their breasts are enlarged and they feel oppressive when wearing bras. This is wrong. Breast care must start from pregnancy. Expectant mothers can choose suitable bras according to the changes in their breasts, which can not only prevent breast sagging, but also relieve breast pain.

It is normal to secrete colostrum during pregnancy

The breasts begin to produce milk before delivery. During the last three months of pregnancy, many pregnant mothers will secrete a small amount of colostrum, which is either transparent or light yellowish in color, from their nipples. This is a normal phenomenon and will last until one or two days after delivery before normal milk is secreted. Especially when approaching the pregnancy and delivery period, this phenomenon is actually the breast sending a signal to the expectant mother that it is ready and can provide milk to the baby at any time. If you have obvious nipple leakage, you can wear breast pads in your bra to reduce the number of times you need to change underwear.

Breast cleaning care starts in the second trimester

With the secondary development of the breasts and the secretion of colostrum, pregnant mothers may feel swollen and painful breasts from time to time, and milk scabs are likely to form on the nipples. When taking a bath, pregnant mothers can massage their breasts moderately to relieve breast pain and gently wipe off the tiny particles blocking the nipple opening. It should be noted that breast care is recommended to start from the fifth month of pregnancy, because stimulating the nipples in early pregnancy can easily stimulate uterine contractions. When caring for the breasts, especially the nipples, they should not be stimulated for a long time. One or two minutes each time is enough. After cleaning the nipples, you can apply some moisturizer to protect the nipple skin.

Be careful to prevent mastitis during breastfeeding

After ten months of pregnancy, the baby is finally born and the mother's breasts begin to provide food for the baby. At this time, the breasts need to be carefully cared for to prevent the occurrence of mastitis. Breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery and applying hot compresses in time when breasts are swollen and painful can reduce the possibility of mastitis. The best time interval between breastfeeding is 2 to 3 hours per time. The two breasts should be fed alternately to prevent asymmetry of the breasts after breastfeeding. When one breast can feed the baby, or when breastfeeding needs to be suspended due to nipple cracks, use a breast pump to empty the breast. This is very important for preventing mastitis!