Nipple pain in early pregnancy

After pregnancy, expectant mothers' bodies will undergo a series of changes, such as breast pain, which expectant mothers need to pay attention to, because breast pain does not affect the entire breast, but may only include the nipple. If expectant mothers experience breast pain during pregnancy, they must be careful and take care of it in time, because this may be the breasts preparing for lactation, or some breast diseases may cause breast pain.

What to do if you have breast pain during pregnancy

Many pregnant women experience breast pain during pregnancy. This is normal. The higher estrogen levels during pregnancy will stimulate the breasts. Everyone has different reactions to early pregnancy, including vomiting, drowsiness, frequent urination, fear of cold, discomfort when smelling oil, and pain when touching the breasts... These symptoms usually appear 6 weeks after amenorrhea and generally last until 3 months of pregnancy. Everyone's situation will be different, which is related to personal hormones. Some people's early pregnancy reactions last longer and may not disappear until 16-18 weeks.

Breast massage:

Apply a warm towel to your entire breast.

1. Place one hand horizontally on the other breast, and press the other hand on it. Overlap your hands and push the breast towards the center of the chest for massage.

2. Place the fingers of both hands together and place them diagonally below the breast. Vibrate the entire breast from the base of the breast, and then use both hands to push and massage the breast diagonally upward.

3. Lift the breasts from below and push them upwards with both hands.

Warm reminder: When performing the above massage, you must hold the entire breast with both hands, and the movement should be large. It will be effective if you feel the breast lump disappearing from the pectoralis major muscle. However, it is strictly forbidden to knead randomly to avoid injuring the breast.

Nipple massage

1. Wash your hands and use soapy water to scrub the outside of the nipple in a circular motion to the base of the breast (collarbone), washing the left and right breasts separately. Avoid washing the nipples with soap to avoid removing the protective oil on the outer layer, and pay attention to cleaning the scabs.

2. After cleaning, hold the breasts with your hands, and use your middle finger and index finger to massage from the base of the breast under the clavicle towards the nipple. Use your thumb and index finger to knead the nipple to increase its toughness.

3. When massaging, use the thumbs and index fingers of both hands to massage from the base of the breast towards the nipple, twice a day, 20 times each time.

Warm tip: You can use a blunt-tooth comb to gently comb from the base of the breast to the nipple, which can also keep the mammary ducts unobstructed and facilitate postpartum breastfeeding.

Hot massage

Use a clean towel dipped in warm water, wipe in a circular motion from the center of the nipple to the areola, apply hot compresses on both sides alternately, 15 minutes on each side, and massage in the following ways:

1. Circular massage: Place your hands on the upper and lower parts of the breast and massage the entire breast in a circular direction.

2. Spiral massage: Hold the breast with one hand, and use the index and middle fingers of the other hand to massage in a spiral shape towards the nipple.

3. Acupressure massage: Place your hands on both sides of the breasts and squeeze from the breasts to the nipples.

4. Horizontal massage: The purpose is to maintain good blood circulation in the breast. The basic method is to move the base of the breast, and there is no need to rub the bulging part (mammary gland).

Early pregnancy breast care

Breast changes in early pregnancy: Nipples become firmer and more sensitive. The areola gradually expands and becomes darker in color. The areola glands surrounding the areola (similar to small papules, which can secrete an oily antibacterial substance that cleans, lubricates and protects the nipples) protrude, the breasts swell, and the surface skin texture becomes more obvious. The tightness, heaviness and fullness of the breasts will still be noticeable.

Practice: At this time, pregnant mothers should buy a larger bra for themselves. During the entire pregnancy, the breasts on both sides will gain about 900 grams each. A bra with the right cup size can help you protect the health of your breasts.

Note: Avoid buying a bra that is too big or too small. You should buy a bra that is comfortable for your breasts based on your actual size.

Breast care during pregnancy

Breast changes during mid-pregnancy: The color of the areola becomes darker and darker, the areola glands become more prominent, the breasts continue to grow, and the texture of the epidermis becomes clearer. As estrogen levels rise, nipple sensitivity increases, breasts become larger, and stretch marks begin to appear on the breasts.

Method: If colostrum leaks out after a hot water bath, you can gently clean the leaked milk with warm water. As your breasts continue to grow, your bra may become uncomfortable. You can change to a bra that fits better and supports your breasts.

Note: A very small number of expectant mothers may experience colostrum leakage at this time, but leakage at a later time is more common. When cleaning your nipples, be careful not to over-clean with soap.