Some form of Breast tenderness during pregnancy usually
starts around 4-6 weeks and lasts throughout the first
trimester and may even stretch beyond the first 12
weeks of pregnancy. It is considered one of the earliest
signs of pregnancy and the sensation is likened to
the feeling you get just before your periods, only
more intense.
Causes of Breast tenderness
during pregnancy
• Increased blood flow
• Changes in tissue
• Rise in hormonal levels (oestrogen and progesterone)
The changes you may see
and feel..
• Breasts may feel swollen, lumpy, sore and
sensitive to the touch
• Tingling, painful nipples
• Itching
• More visible veins
• Stretch marks due to stretched skin
• Bigger and darker nipples and areolas
• Bumps on areolas become more obvious (these
sebaceous glands produce serum to keep your nipples
soft and supple)
Breast
care and maintenance...
Most women increase by at least one cup size during
the entire course of pregnancy but there are some
who see no change in size. Breasts that don't grow
any bigger or heavier are considered normal and at
the end of the day do produce breast milk for baby.
Bigger breasts don't mean more milk but they sure
do mean new bras. Keep these handy tips in mind:
• Your breasts need extra support; try a variety
before deciding on the one that best supports your
pregnant form
• Forget bras with underwire for a while; they
are too restrictive
• Opt for cotton bras as they are more comfortable
and breathable than synthetic versions. Choose a variety
that is soft, smooth and seamless to prevent skin
abrasion
• Get the right size
• Buy bras that are a little roomy since your
breasts continue to expand gradually throughout your
pregnancy
The right fit
To get your true size, you need to measure around
your chest, just beneath the breasts, add 5 inches
to this digit to get your band size. Next measure
around the fullest part of your breasts and deduct
your chest measurement from this number. A 1-inch
difference makes you an A cup, 2 inches makes you
B, 3 inches a C, 4 inches a D cup and 5 inches a double
D and so on. So if your chest measures at 31 and your
breast measures at 34 you need to get bras size 36C.
