The breast usually undergoes many changes throughout the pregnancy. This is due to the effect of pregnancy hormones on our body. Our breasts prepare to breastfeed our baby, even if we decide not to breastfeed. Nature prepares for the arrival of our baby, the miracle of life and our chest will undergo many changes.
During pregnancy your body is affected by a lot of changes to prepare for the new life that is being created inside. In the article "How do you know if you are pregnant?" I was talking about the first symptoms that can be noticed in our body even before we know that we are pregnant. Hormones begin to take effect as soon as the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and after a few weeks we can notice small changes in our body. One of them most notable are the changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy. Let's see what they are breast changes in pregnancy and how to take best care of it.
How do breasts change during pregnancy?
- Grow in size. During pregnancy, the blood flow to the breasts increases, you may even notice some bluish veins under your skin that you did not see before. Your breasts may grow up to two bra sizes, although it depends on each woman. You can start to see changes in your chest very soon, even in the first few weeks.
- Stretch marks may appear. As the skin increases in size, it stretches and stretch marks and itchiness may appear, especially during the last months of pregnancy. Then we will see some tips to take care of the breast during pregnancy.
- Change in nipples. Due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, the nipples change color and become darker and larger, as well as the areola. This helps the baby find the nipple more easily.
- Thickening of the Montgomery glands. They are little bumps that we have in the halos. They are in charge of lubricating and hydrating the chest.
- Colostrum secretion. You may have some colostrum secretion from the second trimester. Colostrum is the first milk your baby will drink in the first days of life. It is a dense, yellow liquid that can stain your bras on its own or by massaging or squeezing your breasts.
- Increased sensitivity. The chest is much more sensitive than before, any friction may bother you. It may even hurt.
How to take care of your breast during pregnancy
- Hydrate it in depth. This will help you reduce the appearance of stretch marks and that the skin does not suffer when stretching. Avoid discomfort, itching and you will be more comfortable. Do not wait for them to grow, you can start using moisturizers from the beginning with a good massage, so your skin will prepare little by little.
- Use specific bras. From the second trimester, it would be appropriate to use bras for pregnant women. You will be more comfortable and they will hold you much better.
- Choose cotton bras. They are more comfortable and breathe better. You can also use it at night to avoid discomfort while you are in bed.
- Wash your breasts well. Avoid soap in the areola area so as not to dry out the area. Use lukewarm water, and let your nipples air dry a couple of times a day. Good hygiene will avoid discomfort.
- Dress in comfortable and loose clothing. Avoid tight clothing that squeezes your chest and rubs against you.
- Use disposable pads. If you have colostrum losses you can use disposable pads to avoid staining your clothes and you are more comfortable and calm.
Because remember ... changes in our body are inevitable during pregnancy. They are part of the perfect machinery that will give life to your child, that is why we must be grateful and help us with all the necessary advice and information to carry him as well as possible.