Breast in Pregnancy

Very often, the first sign that allows you to suspect the occurred fertilization, are certain changes in the breast. Future moms notice that their mammary glands are enlarged, swell and begin to ache, giving their possessor a lot of uncomfortable sensations. Meanwhile, this is not always the case.

In this article we will tell you how the breast changes during pregnancy, and how to properly care for it during the entire period of bearing the baby.

How does the chest behave during pregnancy?

Certainly, every woman's organism is individual, and therefore the mammary glands during pregnancy can behave absolutely differently. Meanwhile, there are changes due to fluctuations in the hormonal background that are observed in the vast majority of expectant mothers. In particular:

1. Even at the beginning of pregnancy, the breast almost always increases noticeably in size. This can easily be explained by the fact that immediately after the occurred conception in the female body, the concentration of progesterone and estrogens, hormones that provoke the growth of the milk ducts and connective tissue, is rapidly increasing. Later, during the entire period of gestation of the baby, this cause can also affect the size of the breast, but its increase already becomes less noticeable, as in the early term. In general, under the action of progesterone and estrogens, the mammary glands of the expectant mother for the entire period of waiting for a new life on average grow by 2-3 sizes. However, the extent to which the breast increases during pregnancy, many factors affect, and if it does not grow at all, it is also not a cause for concern.
2. In a large number of pregnant women in 2-3 weeks after successful conception, the sensitivity of the mammary glands and, in particular, the nipples, greatly increases. Even a slight touch to the chest at this time can cause the future mother expressed discomfort, so some women have to give up intimate relationships with the spouse. This circumstance is due to the fact that the mammary glands from the moment of fertilization immediately begin intensive preparation for the upcoming infant feeding. The same reason also explains why the breast during the pregnancy often hurts and itches.
3. Due to the intensive growth of the mammary glands on the breast of pregnant women, ugly stretch marks often appear, which first have a dark reddish hue, and then become slightly paler.
4. Nipples and areoles most often also change. As a rule, they increase in size, and also acquire a darker shade.
5. Often on the chest during pregnancy, there are spots that are a manifestation of pigmentation associated with changes in the hormonal background. Usually closer to birth, they darken, and 2-3 months after the birth of the child disappear.
6. Finally, at late lateness of expectation of the baby, most colostrums from the breast begin to get colostrum. However, in some women this fluid appears only after the baby's birth.

How to take care of the breast during pregnancy?

Most expectant mothers can determine pregnancy by such signs as breast augmentation and increase of her sensitivity. Starting from this moment, it is necessary to strictly follow certain recommendations for the care of this part of the body, in particular:

1. To buy a suitable bra that will support the breast well, but it will not squeeze it. The most optimal option in this case is a pitted model and with wide straps.
2. In the morning and evening, apply a special cream or oil on the chest area to prevent stretch marks.
3. To harden the nipples before breastfeeding, during the period of pregnancy, a contrast shower should be administered daily.