During pregnancy, the breasts of a woman change under the influence of hormones. The woman's organism is preparing to feed the future baby - it's a physiological process. As a result - a painful chest during pregnancy. In this case, pain may appear in the first weeks of pregnancy.
What happens to the mammary glands during pregnancy?
In the mammary glands there is an increase in glandular tissue and connective ducts, this is due to the influence of hormones. Because of this, the consistency and sensitivity of the breast changes. Under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, i.e. female sex hormones, the breast grows and develops. These hormones are first produced in the ovaries, and starting from the third month, in the placenta. The secretion of milk is caused by the influence of lactogenic, or in another way luteotropic, hormone produced by the pituitary gland. At this time, more blood enters the mammary glands; The number of blood vessels, especially small ones that supply blood to the areas of glandular tissue, also grows.
During pregnancy, the body of a woman delays and accumulates various minerals that affect the exchange of fluids. Therefore, in the body in this period, water retention occurs. All these processes lead to swelling and an increase in breast size. In addition, her sensitivity increases, which leads to some painful sensations in this area.
During pregnancy, the nipples swell, darken, and sensitivity in this area sharply increases, and in the last three months of pregnancy, colostrum often releases colostrum. Nipples are very painful and sensitive, even a small injury can cause severe pain, for example, from the synthetic fabric of the bra. All this is a physiological norm, because in this way the body is preparing to be fed. Such changes are also the prevention of malignant tumors, because pregnancy and feeding of the baby prevent the development of breast cancer.
Changes in the breast during pregnancy in sensations in women
Painful breasts are especially characteristic for the first months of pregnancy, i.e. for the first trimester. In all women, the degree of soreness is different: for someone it is almost not felt, and for someone, on the contrary, there can be very significant pain. Pain may appear as a tingling sensation or a feeling of bursting in the chest may occur, such sensations may be permanent or only when touching. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, as a rule, this is due to the appearance of a general edema of the body. It happens that the mammary glands become very sensitive to cold.
The greatest sensitivity occurs in the nipples, but this is the characteristics of each woman. Some do not notice any changes in the chest area, and for some, the breast becomes a source of constant pain and experience.
From the second trimester, discomfort in the chest should decrease. This period of pregnancy is generally considered the most pleasant and quiet time, at this time the woman is transformed, in another way she begins to feel her interesting position.
To reduce pain in the chest, you can follow some rules:
- wear supporting underwear;
- Bras made of natural fabrics, for example, made of cotton;
- As the breast increases, buy a larger bra. The underwear should match the woman exactly, do not cause irritation of the breast, including the nipples. You can buy special underwear for pregnant women, because it better supports the chest. In addition, it can be worn after the birth of the baby, if the mother is going to breast-feed the baby;
- At night, it is better not to take off linen, this will reduce discomfort and provide breast support;
- In the bra, you can put a cotton handkerchief or breast pads that will absorb colostrum. Such gaskets can be found in pharmacies or specialty stores. Such actions will help to avoid irritation on the skin;
- The breast should be washed simply with warm water, do not use soap and other detergents, as this can cause dry skin in this area.