During pregnancy, pregnant women's breasts will enlarge and sometimes feel sore. These changes in the breasts may make pregnant women feel less comfortable. To overcome this, pregnant women can try some breast treatments during pregnancy.
Breast changes during pregnancy are normal things to prepare for the birth of your little one. Enlarged and painful breasts are often referred to as early signs of pregnancy. This condition begins when the pregnancy is around 4-6 weeks and lasts throughout the first trimester.
Breast Changes During Pregnancy
Breast changes during pregnancy are caused by increased hormone levels during pregnancy. Rising levels of pregnancy hormones make the blood flow to the breasts increase, causing changes in breast tissue.
During pregnancy, pregnant women can experience several changes in the breasts, such as:
- Enlarged breasts and feel dense, painful, and sensitive
- The color of the nipple and areola (skin around the nipple) becomes darker
- The blood vessels in the breast are more visible
- Thick yellowish discharge (colostrum) from the nipple
- Small bumps appear on the surface of the areola due to blocked milk ducts
Breast Care During Pregnancy
Various changes in the breasts that occur may make pregnant women feel uncomfortable. To alleviate these complaints, pregnant women can take the following steps for breast care during pregnancy:
1. Wear a comfortable bra
During the day, use a special bra for pregnant women or a special sports bra that can support the entire breast and support the back. Meanwhile, for the night, use a special sleep bra that is light and soft so pregnant women can sleep more comfortably.
When you want to buy a bra, choose a bra that is made of cotton fabric, has a hook or strap that can be adjusted in length, and is not wired.
2. Applying moisturizer on the breast
Enlarged breasts can make the breast skin stretch and appear stretch marks. These changes in the breast can sometimes cause itching.
To relieve itching in the breast, pregnant women can apply moisturizer after bathing and at bedtime. Pregnant women can also use moisturizer if the breast skin feels itchy due to dry breast skin.
3. Using breast pad
If the liquid that comes out of the nipples is large enough to wet the clothes, pregnant women are advised to use breast pad in a bra. Pregnant women can choose breast pad disposable or washable and reusable.
4. Compressing the breasts
When the breasts are painful and sensitive, pregnant women can try giving a warm compress with water that has been soaked in warm water on the breast. If the warm temperature makes pregnant women feel uncomfortable, try giving a cold compress with a cloth wrapped in ice or soaked in cold water on the breast.
5. Massaging breasts
If a lump appears on the areola, pregnant women can relieve it by attaching a towel that has been soaked in warm water. After that, massage the breasts so that the milk ducts become smooth. The correct way to massage the breast is from the top of the breast to the nipple.
However, be aware if a new lump appears in the breast or armpit accompanied by an indentation or dimple in the breast, the nipple goes inward, blood comes out of the nipple, and the breast skin is irritated, red, or peeling. These signs may indicate the possibility of breast cancer.
In addition to breast care during pregnancy, pregnant women can also consult an obstetrician about breast changes that occur. After conducting an examination, the doctor will determine whether the changes that pregnant women feel are normal or not and provide treatment if necessary.
