Breast pain in pregnancy is often described as a dull, aching pain in the breast. The pain may feel worse when the breasts are touched and the pain may be worse at certain times of the day. Breast pain in pregnancy is most commonly caused by hormonal changes in the body.
When the hormone levels change, the breasts may enlarge and become painful. Breast pain in pregnancy can also be caused by tenderness or swelling in the breast. If you are having breast pain in pregnancy, try to remember that it is normal for the breasts to feel tender or painful during pregnancy.
How to relieve breast pain in pregnancy?
Breast pain in pregnancy is a rather annoying problem among pregnant women but there is a variety of advice on how to deal with them. If the following methods don’t work for you, be sure to talk to your doctor about it for proper relief.
Try a New Bra:
A flimsy underwire bra is the wrong choice for pregnant women. There are certain features that you’ll want to look out for before making a purchase. The American Pregnancy Association advises that one should look out for bras with thicker straps, molded or padded cups, and wider band sizes.
Wear a Sports Bra:
Consider swapping your regular bra with a sports bra instead. This type of sports bra is designed to cup the breast closely against the chest wall, minimizing any unnecessary movement that may exacerbate soreness preventing them from bouncing or jiggling whilst making strenuous workout routines.
Sleep in a Bra:
Wearing a bra at night can help to protect your tender breast tissue from scraping against fabric like clothes or bed sheets. There are bras available that are specifically designed for this purpose, but you can also just wear a sports bra or your regular bra to help.
Reduce Skin Contact:
You might do everything you can to avoid letting anything touch your breast during pregnancy.
Here are just a few steps that should help:
- Whenever zipping up button-down shirts, pay special attention and try to avoid having the buttons dig into the skin between your breast or directly under one of them. If you typically carry around a handbag or purse, try switching over to a shoulder bag. This will keep stress levels in check as you allow yourself time to grow comfortable with your pregnant body.
- Don’t be afraid to tell your partner what you’re comfortable with. If they accidentally irritate a sensitive area, make sure to let your partner know. Discussions about preferences can prevent any hurt feelings or misunderstandings that could arise from your partner unknowingly stimulating a tender area of your body.
Turn Down the Shower:
Your nipples might be so sensitive that you can hardly stand to dab them dry with a towel after you take a shower. While a cold or warm shower might help aid in reducing your discomfort (as can compress) be cautious of water pressure. Even the sensation of the spray of water from the shower can be painful.
If your shower head has a “gentle” setting, switch it to that. If not, at least angle the water spray away from your chest instead of facing it head-on. A washcloth draped over each breast has the added benefit of not only protecting them from impact but also allowing you to rinse off your hair or other body parts without turning yourself into a sponge as a result!
Try Breast Pads:
If the inside of your bra is causing skin irritation and soreness, try lining each cup with a breast pad to shield your nipples. These are typically marketed as part of a nursing kit and can be made from washable or disposable paper, or reusable fabric.
Can breast pain in pregnancy come and go?
It is normal to feel breast pain in pregnancy. This can be a sign of the normal changes in your breast as they get ready to make milk. Breast pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain. The pain can be quite strong and it can make you feel worried. Breast pain in pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women only have a few episodes of breast pain, while others may have breast pain during the whole pregnancy. Breast pain in pregnancy is called Mastalgia. It is a common problem that affects about one in four pregnant women. It can be a worrying time, but you can still enjoy being pregnant.
What causes breast pain in pregnancy?
Pregnancy is considered one of the most beautiful and memorable periods in a woman’s life. However, for many women, it’s also a time of great discomfort. The most common and annoying symptom of pregnancy is breast pain or mastodynia. Approximately 60 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience breast pain at some point in their pregnancy.
This pain is due to the accumulation of milk in the breast and hormonal changes, which cause the breast to grow and the milk ducts to weaken. The breast is composed of lobes, milk ducts, and milk glands. In pregnancy, the breast is supplied with more blood, which causes the milk ducts to dilate and weaken. This is the main reason behind the appearance of breast pain in pregnancy.
When does breast pain in pregnancy stop?
Pregnancy can be a pretty tough nine months for a woman’s body, especially for her breasts. Most women begin to notice breast pain during the first trimester, but it can continue through the second trimester and even into the third. In some cases, the breast pain may be so severe that it becomes unbearable and disrupts your daily activities.
Some women find that the pain and tenderness can last for the entire pregnancy, but for most women, the breast pain subsides in the third trimester and completely disappears after childbirth. Breast pain during pregnancy is a common symptom and many women will experience it at some point during their pregnancy. It can be one of the first symptoms you’ll notice when you’re pregnant.
