Pregnancy brings about many changes to a women. There are going to be a number of these occurring in your breasts over the ninth months of your term.
These changes are perfectly normal and healthy and indicate that your body is changing so that it can produce milk and provide for your infant once it's born.
So its important not to be overly concerned when these changes take place.
An increase in breast size - Some women's breasts increase several cup sizes during pregnancy. Other than requiring a larger bra size, there's not much wrong with this. Breasts swell when they start to produce milk.
Breast tenderness - Since your breasts are changing in multiple ways, it's understandable that they would feel tender. If they increase in size, they may feel heavy, too.
Strange feelings and sensations - tingling sensations or slight soreness can be experienced normally by some women.
When you are pregnant, your hormone levels surge. This in turn causes a change in how your body feels. If you are uncomfortable with these changes or worried that something is wrong, it's OK to talk to a doctor. However, don't be worried because these changes are expected.
Darkened nipples - As milk production begins, you may notice your areola darken.
Leakage of milk from the nipples - while embarrassing this is a normal part of the whole process and shouldn't raise any concerns.
Development of lumps - When your breasts change so rapidly, lumps can form. Most of these are harmless. Cysts, which are just fluid-filled sacs, are very common.
Galactoceles are another type of lump, and these are caused by milk-filled sacs. Fibroadenomas are build-ups of fibrous tissue. Almost all of these lumps are benign, however you should get them looked at by a doctor.
If you discover a new lump, be sure to show your doctor. There is only a very slim chance it is a tumor but it is better to be sure.
There are a number of things you can do to make the discomfort from these changes as minimal as possible. Pain medication is not recommended, but a correctly fitted bra can make some difference.
If your bra is too restrictive it will increase your discomfort. Follow these tips for making sure your bra is fitted correctly:
- Your breasts should bulge out of the bra cups or out of the sides of the bra; push-up bras may have cleavage, but it shouldn't bulge over the edges of the cup.
- It shouldn't feel too tight or too loose.
- The straps fit should fit correctly. This means they don't move when you lift your arms and they don't cut into your shoulders.
- The band under your bra cups that clips behind your back should stay level. If the back band sits much higher than it does in the front, then your bra is the wrong size. The back strap shouldn't be up by your shoulder blades.
------
Jared Wright is a dad who works from home sharing his knowledge through his passion for writing. His latest project is a website that provides useful breast pump reviews to mothers, and information about products such as the ameda purely yours breast pump and medela breast pump accessories. | 
Main 
