Of the symptoms of pregnancy that cause the most discomfort, breast tenderness is one of the most painful for some women. Their breasts are very sore and tender, and simple things like dressing and showering become a pain inducing experience. This is one of the first pregnancy symptoms that women notice, even when it isn't the first symptom to show up.
Key Points
- Elevated production of progesterone and estrogen causes breast changes during pregnancy.
- If you choose not to breastfeed, breast engorgement and tenderness should go away several weeks after delivery.
- Wear a good bra to support your breasts, and apply heat as needed.
Understanding Breast Tenderness and Soreness During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your body produces more of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. This is to get your breasts ready for breastfeeding your baby. Increased production of the estrogen and progesterone is required to prepare the breasts for nursing. The increase in hormones and the changes taking place in the breasts to prepare for the baby are the cause of the pain.
Once you have your baby, feelings of tenderness and “breast engorgement” may not go away immediately. Women who choose not to breastfeed generally find that these issues go away after several weeks. If you choose to breastfeed, these symptoms may ebb and flow until your baby is weaned. Sometimes, your breasts may remain larger than they were pre-pregnancy. In this case, you'll need to purchase bras in your new size.
Tips for Dealing with Sore Breasts During Pregnancy
Dealing with sore breasts during pregnancy can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to alleviate sore breasts during this time.
Wear a good bra. Wearing a bra that gives you enough support and room is critical. Your breasts will change in size, so you will no longer be able to wear the bras you previously could. Wearing a bra that's properly sized for your changing breasts will grant you some comfort, and help stop your soreness from getting worse.
Apply heat. Applying heat to your breasts can help alleviate soreness and tenderness. Use a low heat setting to start, as heating pads can get extremely hot on their highest setting. Listen to your body, and do what feels best for you. If your body doesn't respond well to the application of heat, then stop immediately.
Don't fall for urban legends and myths. There are a number of myths circulating on the internet regarding pregnancy. If you encounter any regarding breast tenderness and soreness, proceed with heavy caution. You should never do anything new without consulting your doctor first. In some cases, falling for a pregnancy myth could cause harm to you or your baby.
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Wearing tight clothing will restrict your breasts, worsening soreness. Give your breasts a break by wearing loose-fitting clothes. When you start wearing maternity clothes is up to you, but as always listen to your body and do what feels best for you.
Take warm showers. Warm showers can help reduce breast tenderness and soreness, and are a good supplement for applying heat at other times. Warm showers can also help relieve soreness or pain elsewhere, such as your lower back. Be careful not to slip in the shower, as a fall could be bad for you or your baby.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.