Some form of Breast tenderness during
pregnancy usually starts around 4-6
weeks and lasts throughout the first
trimester and may even stretch beyond
the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It
is considered one of the earliest
signs of pregnancy and the sensation
is likened to the feeling you get
just before your periods, only more
intense.
Causes
of Breast tenderness during pregnancy
• Increased blood flow
• Changes in tissue
• Rise in hormonal levels (oestrogen
and progesterone)
The changes
you may see and feel..
• Breasts may feel swollen,
lumpy, sore and sensitive to the touch
• Tingling, painful nipples
• Itching
• More visible veins
• Stretch marks due to stretched
skin
• Bigger and darker nipples
and areolas
• Bumps on areolas become more
obvious (these sebaceous glands produce
serum to keep your nipples soft and
supple)
Breast
care and maintenance...
Most women increase by at least one
cup size during the entire course
of pregnancy but there are some who
see no change in size. Breasts that
don't grow any bigger or heavier are
considered normal and at the end of
the day do produce breast milk for
baby. Bigger breasts don't mean more
milk but they sure do mean new bras.
Keep these handy tips in mind:
• Your breasts need extra support;
try a variety before deciding on the
one that best supports your pregnant
form
• Forget bras with underwire
for a while; they are too restrictive
• Opt for cotton bras as they
are more comfortable and breathable
than synthetic versions. Choose a
variety that is soft, smooth and seamless
to prevent skin abrasion
• Get the right size
• Buy bras that are a little
roomy since your breasts continue
to expand gradually throughout your
pregnancy
The right
fit
To get your true size, you need to
measure around your chest, just beneath
the breasts, add 5 inches to this
digit to get your band size. Next
measure around the fullest part of
your breasts and deduct your chest
measurement from this number. A 1-inch
difference makes you an A cup, 2 inches
makes you B, 3 inches a C, 4 inches
a D cup and 5 inches a double D and
so on. So if your chest measures at
31 and your breast measures at 34
you need to get bras size 36C.
