Is breast tenderness normal during pregnancy?

There will be many changes in the body during pregnancy, such as poor appetite, spots on the face, deepening of stretch marks, breast pain, etc. These are all normal phenomena during pregnancy. Don't worry too much. After the pregnancy is over, the body's symptoms will gradually disappear and return to normal. Breast pain is mainly caused by increased hormone levels in the body, which stimulate the breast tissue and cause pain. Don't worry.

Is breast tenderness normal during pregnancy?

Breast pain is a common phenomenon in pregnant women. Generally, about 40 days after pregnancy, the placenta and villi secrete a large amount of estrogen, progesterone, etc., which enlarge the breasts and cause breast pain. In severe cases, it can last throughout the pregnancy. This physiological pain is normal and usually does not require treatment.

However, if it is pathological breast pain, then you should seek medical treatment in time. The most common causes of pathological breast pain are breast hyperplasia and mastitis, so do not delay.

Physiological breast pain in pregnant women

According to the physiological development characteristics of women, physiological breast pain mainly falls into the following categories:

1. Breast pain during puberty

The breasts of girls aged 9 to 13 begin to develop, and dome-shaped lumps the size of peas or beans appear in the breast tissue under the nipples, which are slightly swollen and painful. After menarche, it will disappear on its own as the breasts mature during puberty.

2. Breast pain during menstruation

It is the most common type of breast pain, accounting for about 65% of all breast pain, with an average age of onset of 35 years. The pain usually occurs or worsens 3 to 7 days before menstruation. The severity of the pain varies from month to month, and is often felt as a heaviness, distension, dull pain, or occasional brief tingling sensation. There are also tender breast nodules, which are aggravated by pressure, movement or lifting objects. This is caused by increased estrogen levels in the body before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue, and gradually disappears or alleviates after menstruation.

3. Breast pain during pregnancy

Some expectant mothers experience breast pain around 40 days after pregnancy due to the placenta and villi secreting large amounts of estrogen and progesterone, which enlarges the breasts. In severe cases, it can last throughout the pregnancy and usually does not require treatment.

4. Postpartum breast pain

Breast fullness, hardness and pain often occur 3 to 7 days after delivery. This is mainly due to the effects of prolactin, venous filling, interstitial edema and milk filling. Therefore, mothers should breastfeed as early as possible. If there is a lump, you can apply hot compress and massage the lump before breastfeeding, or you can use a breast pump to extract milk to promote the patency of the mammary ducts.

5. Breast pain after artificial abortion

Some women experience breast tenderness and a lump after a miscarriage. This is because the pregnancy is suddenly interrupted, which causes the hormone levels in the body to drop sharply, causing the newly developed mammary glands to suddenly stop growing, resulting in breast lumps and breast pain.

6. Breast pain after sex

People with low libido or disharmonious sex life cannot achieve sexual satisfaction, so breast congestion and swelling are not easy to subside, or they subside incompletely. Continuous congestion will cause breast pain. Therefore, women should attach importance to a good sex life, and those who have no orgasm or low sexual desire should seek medical attention.

7. Mental and emotional influences lead to breast pain

In addition, breast pain is often related to the mental state and is affected by mood swings and work stress. Because the mental state can affect hormone secretion and menstruation, leading to conditions such as breast hyperplasia. Usually when you are too busy at work and under too much pressure, you will not only experience menstrual disorders but also breast pain.

Pathological breast pain in pregnant women

1. Breast hyperplasia and breast pain

It does not change with the menstrual cycle, has no fixed time, and lasts longer. These women are mostly around 40 to 45 years old, slightly older than those with physiological pain. The pain is limited to the breast and is relatively shallow.

2. Mastitis and breast pain

This pain is very obvious and unbearable, and is accompanied by redness, swelling and heat. It mostly occurs in primiparas within 1 to 2 months after delivery.

How to relieve breast pain

Breast tenderness during pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require special treatment. If the pain is severe, you can use some care methods to relieve the pain symptoms:

1. Choose the right bra

As the breasts become larger, the original bra will restrict the breasts and make people feel uncomfortable. You should choose an appropriate bra according to the size of your breasts to relieve the feeling of distension and pain. Choose a cotton bra that is soft and has no seams near the nipples. It will be more comfortable to wear and relatively breathable.

2. Physical methods

(1) Hot compress. Use a soft hot towel to warm your breasts, wipe gently, etc. to relieve breast discomfort. It is important to note that the breasts are very fragile during this period, and expectant mothers should be gentle during care to avoid damaging the nipples.

(2) Massage. Gently massaging your breasts with your hands every day can not only relieve discomfort but also promote breast development. However, you should avoid massaging or pulling the nipples with your hands for a long time, especially for pregnant women who have a history of habitual miscarriage or premature birth.