In many women, changes in the breasts, especially in the shape, are the first signs of pregnancy. When pregnancy progresses with the passing, the breasts continue to change. There is an effect on the hormone levels, estrogen, and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for readying the breasts and several other changes in the body.
The growth of breast duct cells is dependent on the stimulation of estrogens and this stimulation is also responsible for the secretion of prolactin. Prolactin is also considered a hormone that increases the size of the breast. In addition, progesterone is effective in supporting the growth of cells that contribute to milk production.
After delivery, according to the gynecologist in Lahore, these two important hormones plummet and allow lactation.
Usually, in most women, breasts begin to change before they go for a pregnancy test. These changes can include:
- Swelling in the breasts
- Tenderness
- Feelings of fullness in the breast
In addition, breasts will continue to change and grow during the first trimester.
Breast Changes During First Trimester
During the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy, the following symptoms can occur:
Enlargement
There is an increase in the size of breasts as they can grow up to a size of one to two cups. Usually, the growth continues throughout the pregnancy.
However, if the breasts of women rapidly grow then they can experience itchiness because the skin stretches. In addition, the breast can also grow in size after giving birth to a baby and during nursing.
Discomfort or Tenderness
The earliest signs of pregnancy involve tenderness in the breasts. According to the NICHHD, the breasts of some women become tingly, sore, etc. after one to two weeks of conception. In addition, a woman may also feel pain while touching the nipples.
When there is a change in the levels of hormones there is an increase in blood flow in the tissues of the breasts. Discomfort associated with the breasts tends to disappear after some weeks. In the later stage of pregnancy, breast discomfort can also occur.
Blue Veins
Blood volume, throughout the body, increases by 50% during pregnancy. Due to increased blood volume, blue veins appear on several parts of the body, including the stomach and breasts.
These veins are considered essential because they carry increased volumes of blood. In addition, these veins are responsible for carrying nutrients to the developing fetus.
Breast Lumps During Pregnancy
It is not very common that breast lumps can develop during pregnancy. The common types of lumps include:
- Cysts
- Fibroadenomas
- Cysts that are filled with milk
A pregnant woman does not need to worry due to these lumps because they are not the signs of breast cancer. Additionally, if you develop, before pregnancy, fibroadenoma then you would find that they will grow better during pregnancy.
Breast cancer during pregnancy is very rare. However, if you notice any new breast lump or several changes to the existing lump then you should need to consult your general physician.
Stretch Marks on the Breasts
It is common if you get stretch marks on your breasts. However, you can also get these marks on the sides of your breasts.
It is easy to avoid these marks, and you can do it easily by rubbing oil or cream on the breasts once a day before going to sleep. These oils or creams would not work as a miracle. However, if you keep your breasts moisturized, then it would help you to prevent and eliminate dryness and itchiness.
Breast Changes After Pregnancy
There are dramatic changes in your breasts because of pregnancy. In addition, after giving birth, the breasts will remain large because they continuously produce breast milk. There can also be feelings of engorgement if the breasts produce milk in large amounts.
However, the breasts of several women return to their normal shape after giving birth, and some remain due to the elasticity. The changes in the breasts after giving birth depend on genetics, weight fluctuations, etc.
Milk Production
Several changes in the breasts allow newborns to feed. However, women who don’t experience any changes in their breasts shouldn’t need to worry because they can also easily breastfeed their babies. Changes in the breasts or nipples don’t indicate the ability of any person to breastfeed.
Before pregnancy, sometimes, a small amount of colostrum is produced by the breasts. In some cases, this fluid can drain from the nipples after pregnancy. Medical specialists believe that colostrum plays an essential role in increasing the immune system of the baby. Newborn babies, as you know, have a very small stomach and they require a small amount of colostrum to fill their bellies.
After some days, there is health milk production instead of colostrum. In most women, breast milk starts after five days after delivery. However, it can also take up to two weeks.
In addition, if you are concerned about breastfeeding then you need to get help from any medical specialists, especially gynecologists.