Most women complain about their breasts being sore and tender to the touch, possibly even, before they even find out that they are pregnant. Unless your one of those lucky women whose breasts don’t change in response to pregnancy. However most women begin noticing the changes the moment that they found out that they were pregnant. These changes are in preparation for breastfeeding your baby.
Changes To Expect During the First Trimester
The breasts changes that you can expect to see during the first trimester are:
- Brest tenderness – Your breasts may be super sensitive to the touch during the first trimester.
- Veins – You may notice that you can see veins underneath the surface of the skin on your breasts. This is normal due to the increase blood flow to your breasts as they prepare for breastfeeding
- Darkened areolas – The areola skin pigment may darken.
Changes to Expect During the Second Trimester
- Breast growth – Your breasts will continue to grow and you may find that your bra is getting tighter. If your bra is to tight, you will need to purchase new bras for your changing cup size. It is normal for your breasts to increase at least one cup size, some people may increase several cup sizes.
- Nipple changes – Your nipples may double in size.
- Areolas – The areolas will continue to darken throughout your pregnancy. You may also notice small white bumps or goosebumps on the areolas. These are normal and don’t require attention unless they become infected.
- Breast tenderness – You should notice that tenderness in your breasts has diminished.
Changes to Expect During the Third Trimester
- Breast growth – Your breasts will continue to grow and will begin preparing for the arrival of your baby. You should invest in nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding your baby.
- Nipple changes – Your nipples may appear more stretchy.
- Begin leaking colostrum – As your body prepares for the arrival of your baby, your body will begin to produce colostrum. This is a thick, yellow substance that provides nutrients to your baby during the first few days of life until your milk comes in. However, it is normal if you begin to leak tiny amounts of colostrum. You may find it necessary to wear nursing pads to prevent leakage.
Nursing Bra’s
To accommodate your changing breasts you will need to invest in new bra’s. Mom’s have several options when selecting a new bra. There are bras that are specially designed for pregnancy and nursing. A bra that is designed for pregnancy is often called a maternity bra. Maternity bras are less restrictive than regular bras and don’t contain under-wire. When you are trying on bras during the early stages of pregnancy, its best to ensure that the bra fits you on the tightest hooks. This will allow your bra to be expanded as your body changes. Most maternity bra’s also have drop feeding cups that allow your bra to fold down so that you can feed your baby without taking off your bra or lifting it up.
Nursing Cami’s or Tank Tops
If you find nursing bra’s to be uncomfortable for sleeping in, then you can find a nursing camis or tank tops that offers the same benefits. Most nursing cami’s or tank tops have a built in bra that offer light support. You can still use nursing pads to absorb any leaking milk.
