Is breast tenderness a symptom of pregnancy?

Generally speaking, when a woman is pregnant, her body will have some early pregnancy symptoms. The most common symptom of early pregnancy is breast tenderness. In fact, this is a normal physiological phenomenon. Pregnant mothers do not need to be too nervous or worry too much. If the pain is not particularly severe, no treatment is required. Everyone can relax and keep a good mood.

1. What is the cause of breast tenderness and pain in early pregnancy?

After a woman becomes pregnant, she will experience a series of early pregnancy reactions. Breast pain in the early stages of pregnancy is also a normal physiological phenomenon of early pregnancy. After a woman becomes pregnant, the estrogen in her body will greatly increase. These estrogens will stimulate the woman's breasts, leading to the development of the mammary ducts, causing a series of reactions in the breasts, such as deepening of the areola, dilation of the mammary ducts, etc. The expansion of the mammary ducts will cause a slight pain in the woman's breasts. For most women, breast pain of varying degrees will occur in the early stages of pregnancy. There is no need for women to be nervous or afraid.

2. What to do if your breasts swell and hurt during early pregnancy

There is no need for women to be nervous or afraid if they experience breast pain. This is a normal reaction and no action is needed. You can choose some looser underwear at this time, preferably special underwear for pregnant mothers. Do not wear it at home. This can reduce pressure on the breasts and is very beneficial to breast health. It is best not to use too hot bath water in the early stages of pregnancy, because the body temperature of pregnant women is 1.5 degrees higher than normal people. If the mother's body temperature is too high, for example, it rises by 3 degrees, it may kill the brain cells of the fetus and cause permanent damage to the fetus. Because the mother's temperature is too high, it will directly affect the development of the fetus in the abdomen, and in severe cases it may even lead to the appearance of deformed or mentally retarded children. In daily life, we must pay attention to keeping a good mood, maintaining an optimistic and cheerful attitude, not being anxious or angry, and dealing with anything we encounter calmly to avoid the symptoms of breast pain becoming more severe due to liver depression and qi stagnation.

What to do if your breasts swell during pregnancy

The best thing to do is to invest in a few bras that are good quality and supportive of your breasts. You can go to a large department store or a maternity and baby supplies store and ask an experienced salesperson to help you choose. Some mothers may find that their current bras with rigid underwires are less comfortable. To avoid chafing, mothers should choose bras that are soft and have no seams near the nipples. Cotton bras are more comfortable and breathable than blended bras.

During the day, mothers can also try a nursing bra to give their breasts more support. By the third trimester, if you're planning on breastfeeding, it may be time to invest in a nursing bra that unclips from the front. Mothers can also wear a pregnancy sleep bra when sleeping at night. This soft, loose cotton bra can be purchased in some maternity and baby stores.

When buying a bra, consider going for a wider size because your bra size may increase by 1 to 2 sizes (both the cup size and the bust size) as your breasts grow and your belly expands. When trying on a bra, it's best to fasten it to the tightest position so that if your breasts increase in size, there's still room for maneuver.

Some other breast massage is also necessary. For example, applying a cold towel to the chest (no need to use ice) and gently patting the breasts with both hands (not recommended if there are other breast diseases) can relieve swelling and pain.