During pregnancy, a woman's breast undergoes a series of changes. The female body secretes hormones to prepare the body for providing nutrition to the growing fetus and the breasts grow to prepare for nursing the newborn.
Enlargement and tenderness: It is common for women to experience a growth in structure of breasts during the first trimester of pregnancy. The nipples may get tender and you may suffer from pain. Women should buy a cotton supportive bra to provide complete hold up to the busts. You can buy bra having a larger cup size in the first trimester. Wear bra, which has a wide strap and many hooks on the back. Do not wear tight costumes, which can restrict the flow of blood.
Hypersensitivities and darkening of the nipples: Veins darkens around the nipples to increase bloods supply to the nipples. Itching in the second phase of pregnancy is common. As the Nipples enlarge and stick out, the woman may suffer from itching. You can use moisturizer to prevent itching. You can even notice the stretch marks on the sides, which mostly appears in the first pregnancy. The veins of the busts appear prominently because of the increased volume of blood in the breasts.
Secretion of watery fluid, which can be yellow or white in color: During the second trimester, women may have secretion of colostrums, that is a yellowish secretion, which is the first milk also called pre-milk. It gets thick as the time of childbirth comes closer. The milk secretion can be seen any time after the first trimester and sometimes, it is stimulated when the breasts are massaged. Women may not have the secretion of colostrums during pregnancy and it should not be concerning as they can still have the production of milk after childbirth.
Bumps seen on the surface of areolas: The bumps around the nipples are formed due to small glands found on areolas also known as Montgomery's tubercles. Lumps can also be formed due to the clogging of milk ducts and these lumps can be red and tender to touch. Sometimes, the lumps of milk ducts are hard and painful. You may have to apply warm water to clear the ducts but if you are not sure of the lumps, you can contact the medical practitioner.
Self examination of breast is important during pregnancy to identify any harmful lump formation although breast cancer is rarely found in women below thirty-five years. You need to regularly check the lumps to prevent any tumor like condition. It is common to have sensitive breasts caused by the stretched skin which prepares to accommodate the growth of milk ducts as the pregnancy proceeds.
It is advised to wear comfortable supporting bra during the second trimester of pregnancy and you should avoid wearing the under wire bra as it can restrict the flow of blood. You can also search for a sleeping bra to feel comfortable during night. Maternity bra is also comforting during pregnancy.
