Breast changes are a normal part of pregnancy and occur as a result of hormonal changes. They can appear as early as one week after conception, as one of the early signs of pregnancy, and may continue until the baby is born or even afterward.
In this article, we discuss the most common breast changes across each trimester. We will also share some information on how to relieve breast discomfort during pregnancy.
You can also track weekly changes during pregnancy through the “Lalu” mobile app and find out in advance what changes await you in the upcoming week of pregnancy.
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Breast changes in the first trimester
Between weeks 1 and 13 of pregnancy, the following symptoms may occur:
Tenderness and discomfort
Breast tenderness is often one of the early signs of pregnancy. These changes occur due to rising hormone levels in the blood and increased blood circulation in the breast tissue.
Breast enlargement during pregnancy
During pregnancy, especially in a first pregnancy, an increase in breast size by one or two sizes is normal. This can begin in the early stages of pregnancy and may continue throughout the entire period. Rapid breast growth causes the skin to stretch and itch. Breast size may continue to increase even after giving birth.
Blue veins on the breasts
Typically, blood volume increases by 50% during pregnancy. As a result, visible blue veins appear, especially in the breast and abdominal areas. These veins are essential for delivering blood and nutrients to the developing fetus in the body.
Breast changes in the second trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy spans from week 14 to week 27, during which the following changes in the breasts may occur:
Darkening of the areolas
Areolas are the colored circles around the nipples. In the second and third trimesters, the areolas enlarge and darken in color. The darkening of the areolas is caused by hormonal changes. Often, the areola returns to its pre-pregnancy color after breastfeeding, but sometimes it remains a shade or two darker than before.
Bumps on the areolas
During pregnancy, small bumps develop on the areolas. These are known as Montgomery’s tubercles, which are oil-producing glands that lubricate the breasts and facilitate breastfeeding.
Nipple discharge
Some pregnant women may notice discharge from their breasts during the second trimester. In others, this may occur in the third trimester or after childbirth. Discharge can appear at any stage of pregnancy, but it may increase with breast stimulation. This thick, yellow discharge is an immunity-boosting fluid produced in the early stages of breastfeeding newborns.
Breast lumps
Breast lumps affect some pregnant women. Usually, these lumps are not a cause for concern. They are often galactoceles caused by blocked milk ducts, or benign breast tumors known as fibroadenomas.
Of course, it is necessary to discuss such changes with a family doctor and undergo additional examinations if needed.
Breast changes during pregnancy: Third trimester
This spans weeks 28 to 40, and the following changes may occur in the breasts:
Continuation of changes
Many of the changes that occurred in the first and second trimesters continue into the final months of pregnancy. The breasts may grow even larger and feel heavier, the areola may continue to darken, and colostrum (first milk) may leak regularly.
Stretch marks
Rapid tissue growth causes the skin to stretch. This can lead to the appearance of red streaks and stretch marks. These red lines usually appear in the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy, but they can also appear earlier or later.
Milk production
Breasts undergo changes to prepare for feeding a newborn. However, women who do not experience noticeable breast changes during pregnancy should not worry about feeding their baby later on. Leaking and breast changes during pregnancy do not determine a mother’s future ability to produce milk or breastfeed.
After birth, or sometimes even before, the breasts produce a small amount of colostrum. This fluid helps boost the baby’s immune system. Newborns have very small stomachs, and a small amount of colostrum is sufficient to meet their nutritional needs.
Anyone concerned about their ability to breastfeed should seek help and advice from a doctor or lactation consultant.
Useful article: Mastitis
Ways to relieve discomfort
Many pregnant women experience breast changes during pregnancy. However, not everyone is aware of ways to manage breast changes or ease the associated discomfort:
- Wearing breast pads for leakage – Wear nursing pads to manage colostrum leaks. They are available in disposable or reusable options.
- Applying lotions and oils – Applying lotions or oils to the breasts relieves skin tightness and itching. Some also use these products in the hope of reducing stretch marks.
- Treating blocked milk ducts – Applying a cold compress (ice wrapped in a cloth) to painful, blocked areas of the breast can help relieve blocked milk ducts.
- Breast lumps should be examined by a specialist to make sure they are benign.
When to see a doctor?
Anyone concerned about breast changes during or after pregnancy should definitely speak with a doctor. If a lump or swelling develops in the breast, or if there is unusual discharge from the nipples that does not resemble colostrum, medical attention should be sought.
These symptoms may be harmless, but it is still advisable to consult a doctor.
Related article: Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: normal and pathological changes
The article was prepared in Uzbek by the Lalu team based on information from the American Pregnancy Association and Healthline.
