Breast tenderness usually begins between four to six weeks after pregnancy and lasts throughout the first 12 weeks. It is considered as one of the earliest signs of conception. Breast tenderness during pregnancy feels similar to what you experience before a menstrual cycle but during pregnancy, it becomes intense.
After conception, size of breasts starts increasing due to formation of milk ducts in them. Thus, with increase in size breasts change shape and become tender, sore and swollen. Throughout the pregnancy, breasts continue growing and in some cases, they increases by two-cup sizes. The extra weight of breasts and increasing milk glands result in breast tenderness. Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy increase blood flow and alter the breast tissue.
[Read: How to Reduce Breast Size]
Nipples- You will feel pain and sensation of tingling in your nipples. They may be “popping out” more than usual. Although they may look scrumptious, they may be aching agonisingly.
Areolas - The dark area around the nipple, areolas will become darker and bigger. You may also notice small and black spots on areolas, which are called montgomery tubercles (sweat glands) that supply lubrication to the area.
Breasts- blue veins below the skin's surface carrying nutrients and fluids from mother to foetus. The breasts stop aching usually after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Usually, most women witness increased breast size during and after pregnancy. However, some women see no change in size. Breasts which do not grow heavier during pregnancy are normal and this does not affect their milk production for the baby. Bigger breasts surely do not mean increased breast milk production, but do mean new bras. Read these tips so that you can comfortably deal with breast tenderness during pregnancy.
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