Shortly after the start of pregnancy, women encounter various changes in their bodies, some obvious than others. In fact, together with the rise in the stomach and the changes in the uterus. The breasts are the part of the body that is diversely modified throughout the complete pregnancy and even after delivery. From feeling more swollen and sensitive to stretch marks, pregnant women notice an evolution in their breasts. If you want to know how breasts change during pregnancy, keep reading this article and learn what these changes are and how to mitigate some of them.
Enlargement of the breasts
One of the primary changes in the breasts during pregnancy is the increase in their size. It is common that quickly after considering, you start to notice that the breasts increase their size little by little.
This is because they begin to serve for breastfeeding that will take place after delivery and, as the mammary glands are stimulated, fat starts to grow in this area so that breast milk can be produced correctly as needed. Therefore, the accumulation of fat and the inflammation of these glands make the breasts to grow between 2 and 3 sizes during pregnancy. It is also well-known for women to feel breast tension, that is, they notice the breasts and the skin of these very soft.
This volume will be kept throughout breastfeeding and until the glands are no longer stimulated, when the baby stops sucking finally, they will not decrease in size.
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More tender breasts
Even before being conscious that they are pregnant, many women already observe that their breasts are more delicate to anything such as a touch, a gesture, or pressure. It does not mean if it is the friction of the shirt or that the bra is too uncomfortable. All these sensations will rise and can become really irritating. Because the breasts are regularly changing and inflamed. They are extremely sensitive from very early until the end of the lactation period.
It is suggested that suitable bras are used for each stage of pregnancy. It is most beneficial to find a natural fiber bra such as cotton that lets the skin breathe well and does not tighten. Some are specifically made to modify their size as the pregnancy progresses. Besides, it is always more satisfying than they are not underwired bras since they will immediately nail and bother.
If your breasts hinder or hurt you a lot you can do some moderate exercises. But you should discuss with your gynecologist which is the most suitable decision to relieve this discomfort in your case.
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The nipples grow and darken
Another innovation in the breasts during pregnancy happens in the nipples. And is that this part of the breast changes notably. Besides, to enhance their sensitivity significantly, the nipples become larger and darker.
The tip of the nipple is normally larger but also the areola, or circling skin, is grown and of a darker tone than normal because it increases the pigmentation of this part. This is due to the stimulation of the mammary glands as it is a way that while lactation the baby easily finds the breast that will feed him. Also, the so-called Montgomery tubercles can be seen in the areola, which are small bumps that seem like granites.
It is totally normal, it is the Montgomery glands that support to shield the sensitive skin of the nipples. Due to the high movement that happens in the breasts during the gestation process, these glands also increase their activity. Which is why they are increased. Again, this is a change that will remain until the baby is no longer nursing.
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Bluish veins
As the chest starts to increase in size, the bluish veins start to show more marked within the skin. This is a completely normal change that happens because the blood supply to this section of the body of a pregnant woman must increase as the movement of the glands of the breasts increases considerably in a very short time. Also, by stretching the skin as the breasts grow, it is easy for the more superficial veins to show up.
These veins are described as Choroid veins network and they normally flood the chest in such a way that normal sensitivity is maintained and general changes can happen throughout the menstrual cycle. During gestation, this network further increases its movement by irrigating the breasts with more intensity of the woman.
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Stretch marks on the skin of the breasts
Due to the point that the breasts grow larger and the tension that the skin must bear. It is very easy for undesired stretch marks to emerge during pregnancy. Stretch marks in pregnancy can be limited if from the time we recognize that we are pregnant we begin to accurately hydrate the breasts.
It is always more satisfying that we take precautionary steps since once they start to develop it will be tougher to eliminate them. Also, until breastfeeding is over, these lesions may proceed to appear on poorly hydrated skin. Although, some of these stretch marks that may be milder can disappear in a short time.
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Colostrum secretions
Finally, a move that can seldom be surprising. Since it happens in some women from the second trimester, is the production and secretion of colostrum. Usually, there are women to whom a little of this liquid appears during pregnancy due to the stimulation of the mammary glands. There is nothing to worry about it.
It is a liquid comparable to breast milk but that is produced before the arrival of this in lactation. Hence, it is a liquid that can be witnessed during pregnancy and in the first days after delivery.
The newborn must take colostrum, which is very rich in protein and mineral salts. To begin to form correctly and, after a few days, begin to drink breast milk.
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