Will my breasts swell and hurt when I'm pregnant?

After a woman becomes pregnant, her body will gradually experience some discomfort, such as early pregnancy reactions. These are all normal phenomena. However, some women who have just become pregnant find that they often feel breast distension, especially pain, and cannot tell whether it is a normal phenomenon or a breast disease. So, will your breasts swell and hurt when you first get pregnant? Is this normal?

Throughout pregnancy, the development of the breasts changes along with the development of the fetus in order to adapt to the needs of breastfeeding after delivery. Generally speaking, breast pain will be more severe in the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy.

Breast tenderness during pregnancy is caused by changes in hormone levels. From the moment the fertilized egg implants into the ovum, the endocrine system in the female body begins to change. Among them, one of the most obvious signs is breast sensitivity and pain. This is due to the increased hormone levels in the pregnant woman's body. This distending pain is very similar to what women feel before their period, but it is more intense.

The chest pain will improve significantly after 3 months of pregnancy, because the pregnant woman's body has adapted to the hormonal changes during pregnancy since the second trimester.

For breast swelling and pain symptoms after pregnancy, pregnant women can use breast care methods such as hot compresses and massage to relieve them. It is important to note that the breasts are very fragile during this period, and pregnant women should be gentle during care to avoid damaging the nipples.

Why do breasts hurt during pregnancy?

This is a normal reaction to pregnancy. The main reason for breast pain is that after pregnancy, the placenta and villi secrete a large amount of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, which causes the mammary glands to enlarge and produce breast pain. In severe cases, it can last throughout the pregnancy. Typically, breast tenderness occurs in early pregnancy and gradually subsides as the body's hormone levels stabilize. There are also many expectant mothers who still experience bloating and pain and colostrum secretion around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. At this time, expectant mothers should start cleaning and caring for their breasts, keeping the breasts, nipples, areolas, etc. clean and hygienic. This will also help prevent milk duct blockage and relieve breast pain. You can also apply a hot towel to the breasts, which can greatly prevent breast lumps, keep the mammary glands unobstructed, and facilitate milk secretion. Expectant mothers can also gently massage the breasts, which is good for relieving breast pain and future lactation. In addition, it is also necessary to choose a bra of the right size. If the bra is too small, the breasts will feel restricted and the feeling of breast pain will increase.

Generally, the most obvious symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy are breast tenderness, and some are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue and other symptoms. This is a normal reaction and is related to abnormal hormone levels. Pay attention to rest and avoid fatigue, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, high-protein foods, drink plenty of water to replenish the body's water needs, participate in various sports and exercises in moderation to strengthen your physical fitness, have a scientific lifestyle, and don't stay up late often.