How breasts change during pregnancy

The human body is perfect and proof of this are the changes that occur in women when we are pregnant. Everything lines up to receive our baby, each of our cells prepares to give life. These transformations not only occur in the uterus and internal organs, but also physiologically and, after the womb, the breasts are where the increase in size is most appreciated.

This is how breasts change during pregnancy

Breast enlargement starts from the beginning of pregnancy. “The increase in estrogen and progesterone causes the mammary glands to mature, then they begin to prepare themselves to produce milk when the baby is born”, says gynecologist Susana Haquet Santana, academic from the Department of Embryology and Genetics from the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM.

How breasts change in the first trimester

The first thing that many women identify when they are expecting a baby is some tension in the breasts; they begin to feel sore and often it is even the first sign of pregnancy. The increase in hormones makes both the nipples and the breasts more sensitive.

Each woman is different, some would notice that they grow from the beginning, others would not see drastic changes until delivery (with the milk coming in). Breasts may feel swollen, tingly, or the nipples stick out more than usual. All this is normal.

“The changes in the breasts begin from the moment the embryo is implanted, the increase in estrogen and progesterone happens; therefore, the breasts will increase in size and may feel painful and sensitive. Women notice this changes from the beginning”, adds Dr. Haquet.

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Breast changes during the second trimester

Some women would feel their breasts larger and heavier. At this stage you may need a larger bra, or perhaps you would think of a special one that will also help for breastfeeding. There are elastic ones, without seams, with wide straps which unfasten right where the breast is to feed the baby. Choose one that makes you feel comfortable, just try to avoid the ones with underwire.  

At this point it is possible (or not, remember that we are all different) that you notice that the areola and nipples area darkens. Some also have small bumps or pimples (Montgomery’s tubercles).

There is a reason for these lumps: they secrete moisturizing oil that protects you from pain and their scent helps guide the newborn to your nipples. It is highly recommended that, just as you take care of your belly, you keep your breasts hydrated to avoid stretch marks.

You can use a special cream or sweet almond oil. Note: When you are breastfeeding, it is important that you do not remove the natural oils from your breasts, just clean them after each feeding with a towel with warm water and gently dry them.

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Changes during the third trimester of pregnancy

“In the end, from week 36 or 37, there could even be some milk secretion”, explains the gynecologist Susana Haquet.

The breasts begin to grow a little more. You may notice a yellowish discharge coming from the nipples (some women notice this as early as the second trimester). This is colostrum and it is the first food given to the baby.

It is said that it is our children’s first vaccine because in addition to nutrients, mainly proteins, fats, water and lactose, it also contains immunological factors, which protect them against germs in the environment.

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What happens to the breasts after giving birth?

You will notice that your breasts are full. This is because you are starting to produce milk, but also because the blood circulating through your breasts has increased. Probably you will feel that you have milk “balls”, this is called congestion and is quite common.

Your baby will eat and release the load of milk. If you still have too much milk, you can use a manual pump and save the milk for the moment when your partner bottle feed your baby. If you feel very uncomfortable, talk to your doctor, he will be able to tell you what to do for your particular case.

As the baby grows, you will see that the feeling that your breasts are full decreases, but that does not mean that you will produce less milk.

Around the time your little one reaches 15 months of age, you will notice that your breast size is similar to what it was before you got pregnant no matter if you continue breastfeeding or not.

The reason is that your breasts are working more efficiently after six months of your baby’s birth, so it is very likely that there is a redistribution of breast tissue that allows you to have milk without engorgement.

After weaning, your breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size within three months. Obviously if you get pregnant again, the process starts all over again.

Isn’t it amazing how our body works?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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