Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Due to various hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy, there occur many changes in the breasts of a pregnant woman like sore breasts during pregnancy.

Although the changes in breasts generally start around 4^th to 7^th week of pregnancy, they last throughout the pregnancy and many of these changes also contribute towards production of breast milk for feeding the baby when it arrives.

Remember, that while you’re still pregnant, your breasts are preparing themselves for production of breast milk for feeding the baby. Hormones, Estrogen and Progesterone can be major contributors to the changes occurring in breasts.

Why the pain and tenderness is experienced?

The following changes that occur in the breasts are the primary reasons.

• Mammary glands and ducts enlarge to prepare for milk production hence breasts may feel tender and swollen.
• The weight gain during pregnancy also contributes to an increase in fat deposition in your breasts; this fat will also help in increased blow flow to the area. This makes your breasts look “fuller”.
• The increased blood flow to the breasts may make veins near breasts look more prominent.
• From the first trimester of pregnancy, you will mark some changes in your nipples and areola (the small darkened circular area around the nipples in the breast).
• Nipples become bigger, more prominent and the pigment of areolas becomes darker. These may cause soreness in the breasts.
• Colostrum, the first milk for the baby (a thick yellowish substance rich in nutrition and antibodies) begins its production during late pregnancy hence at around 38 weeks you might witness some milk leaking from breasts.

Sore breasts during pregnancy may feel swollen, tingly, and unusually sensitive to touch. Some women describe the sensation as an exaggerated version of how their breasts feel before their period.

It usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester.

Management

The best way to manage the soreness and tenderness in breasts would be wearing a comfortable and appropriately sized bra.

• Consider factors like comfortable cup size, not constricting your nipples and areolar region, your chest measurement, your growing belly in mind while buying bras.
• Purchase from a store with a good staff support that helps you in buying bras that will be comfortable enough to wear, made of soft material and have enough room for your breasts that will become fuller during pregnancy, do not wear tight bras.
• If possible try to avoid wearing under-wire bras and those made of synthetic material.
• A comfortable supportive cotton sports bra is also a good option.

You may also consider buying a nursing bra/maternity bra which will provide enough convenience, comfort and flexibility to you. Also, if you start using it before the baby arrives and breastfeeding begins; it will make you used to it.

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