Breast changes during pregnancy
Pregnancy

Changes in breasts during pregnancy

Calender
10 Feb
,
2024
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Dr. Pooja Dholakia

A woman's body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. This change in the breasts is to prepare your body for the upcoming time when you have to feed.

Every week the size of the breasts changes, it does not increase all at once but increases week by week. About which you get a new feeling every day, and not suddenly.

WEEK 1 TO 4

The first week is the follicular stage and in this stage the sperm has entered the uterus and becomes an egg. The first change that occurs during this time is the development of milk ducts and alveolar buds in the breasts. These changes occur in the second week when the egg is fertilized.

Pregnancy Stage

During this time the breasts feel tight and by the third week it becomes much larger. By the fourth week, the blood circulation in the breasts increases a lot. Nipples become mildly sensitive. Also the milk producing cells start to grow.

There is no need to panic if someone does not experience such a change.

WEEK 5 TO 8

There are many changes in the cell structure of the breasts which leads to the supply of milk. A hormone called placental lactogens increases in the breasts. The growth of glandular tissue increases in the breast and this causes the breasts to feel heavy and uncomfortable. This also happens due to inflammation in the milk duct.

During this time, the pigmentation around the nipple increases and dark spots start to appear. It is often seen in the fifth or sixth week. During the seventh week the weight of the breast increases to about 650 grams as the amount of estrogen in the body increases. Also, the amount of progesterone increases.

During the eighth week, an effect called marbling is seen in the breasts which affects the inner skin of the breasts. The veins also dilate for better blood supply to the breasts. Between 4 and 28 weeks, the skin around the nipple begins to soften and become free of bacteria.

Breast changes during Pregnancy

Week 9 to 12

During this time, the skin around the areola starts getting dark and its diameter also increases till the ninth week. In addition, secondary areola also develops. It is not very dark but light in color. This may not be visible to women

In the tenth week, a woman may have to wear a larger bra size. This will make women comfortable.

Week 13 to 16

In the 13th and 14th weeks, the blood circulation increases a lot. Areola may also appear mottled. Breasts may feel tight. By the 16th week, this problem increases a lot. It is possible that during this time, some light brown sticky liquid will come out from the breasts. Don’t panic, this is a natural process. This is the substance that the baby drinks before consuming milk in the form of colostrum i.e. light yellow thick milk.

It contains all the essential nutrients for the baby. It also provides necessary resistance due to dilation of the blood vessels, sometimes drops of blood can be seen in it. This is normal but it is a safe option to consult your doctor in this case.

Week 17 to 20

In 18th week, some women may also notice lumps on the breasts which is nothing to worry about. These can also look like cysts, if so, talk to your doctor. There is nothing to fear in this lump.

In 20th week you may notice stretch marks in the breasts which are caused by the stretching of the skin. You are really lucky if you don’t have them.

Breast Changes

Week 21 to 24

Breasts now become larger in size than before. In such a case, it is very important to wear the correct size of bras otherwise you might feel strained. Try to wear a cotton bra instead of a padded bra. Also don’t wear an underwire bra, it reduces blood circulation and can cause problems later.

Week 25 to 28

At 26 weeks, the breast becomes engorged and leakage of colostrum can be seen. This is not necessarily the case with every pregnant woman. Sometimes some women have too much discharge and some have none.

By the 28th week, blood vessels begin to show beneath the surface of the skin and the area around the nipples becomes much darker. This is due to increased blood in the breasts. Also by this stage the milk ducts start expanding.

Week 29 to 32

The breasts begin to sweat profusely. This happens during the 30th week. This is because the high blood flow causes the mucous membranes and blood vessels to dilate and sweat to prevent infection.

Week 33 to 36

Along with the secretion of sebum, colostrum also comes out of the breasts. In such a case, the women has a lot of problems and feels heavy. Because the amount of progesterone also increases during this time. It is better that you wear a nursing bra during this time note that this heaviness of the breasts only lasts for 6 months after the delivery period after that there is not so much problem. Breast produce milk until the baby is breast fed.

Week 37 to 40

Colostrum is a thick, light to dark yellow or colorless fluid. It keeps on changing. By 38th week, the breast are fully enlarged. A hormone called oxytocin in these induces contractions when the breasts are touched by hands.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the changes in breasts during pregnancy shows the amazing journey of motherhood. From size to hormonal shifts, each is a unique part of creating new life.

Disclaimer: This blog is correct as per the writer’s knowledge. This is not a medical guidance. Follow as you are responsible for.

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