Breast Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Effects & Remedies

During pregnancy, a woman goes through a lot of changes, both physically and mentally. One of the most noticeable changes occurs in the breasts. As a pregnant woman prepares to breastfeed, her body starts secreting hormones that cause breast sensitivity and may lead to discomfort or pain. Breast pain during pregnancy is a common experience due to these hormonal shifts, as well as the increased blood flow and tissue growth. This article explains the changes your breasts go through when you are pregnant and provides insights into why these changes occur. Understanding these developments regarding pain in breast during pregnancy can help you feel more prepared and reassured during this transformative phase.

Is It Common to Experience Breast Pain During Pregnancy?

Tender or sore breasts are a common condition during pregnancy as the breasts ready themselves for breastfeeding. Soreness of the breasts is also one of the initial signs of pregnancy (1). Pregnancy breast pain can occur when you’re around 3 to 4 weeks into your pregnancy.

When Does Breast Tenderness Start in Pregnancy?

Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, often beginning as soon as one to two weeks after conception (around weeks 3-4 of pregnancy). Many experience tender breasts in early pregnancy, which often eases, though some sensitivity may persist or return later in pregnancy.

How Long Does Breast Soreness Last in Pregnancy?

Breast soreness typically lasts through the first trimester (weeks 1-13), often easing as hormone levels stabilize. However, some sensitivity can persist or return intermittently throughout pregnancy, especially during later growth spurts in the third trimester as the breasts prepare for lactation.

Causes of Breast Pain During Pregnancy

Breast pain during pregnancy is a common symptom that many women experience due to the body’s preparation for breastfeeding. Breast discomfort during pregnancy is typically associated with hormonal and physical changes in the breasts (2).

1. Hormonal Changes

The primary reason for breast pain is the increase in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones prepare the body for milk production, which can lead to sensitivity, swelling, and discomfort.

2. Increased Blood Flow

As pregnancy progresses, the blood flow to the breasts increases significantly. This enhanced circulation can cause tenderness and a feeling of fullness, contributing to breast pain.

3. Growth of Breast Tissue

The fat layer inside the breasts becomes thicker, and the ducts in the milk glands multiply to prepare for breastfeeding. This growth makes the breasts heavier and larger, often leading to pain or discomfort.

4. Skin Stretching

As the breasts enlarge, the skin stretches to accommodate the growth. This stretching can cause tightness and soreness, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

5. Sensitivity of Nerve Endings

The growing breasts may exert pressure on nerve endings, leading to heightened sensitivity and pain. This is especially noticeable in the nipples and areolae.

6. Clogged Milk Ducts

Even before milk production begins, ducts can become inflamed or clogged, leading to localized, tender lumps. This is more common as pregnancy advances.

7. Bra Fit and Support

As breasts grow rapidly, a previously well-fitting bra can become too tight and restrictive. The lack of proper support from an unsupportive or tight bra can strain breast tissue and ligaments, causing pain.

Symptoms of Breast Pain While Pregnant

Breast pain is a common symptom during pregnancy, with its nature and intensity varying across the trimesters. Hormonal changes, tissue growth, and increased sensitivity play significant roles in causing discomfort (3).

1st Trimester

During the first trimester, many women experience swelling and tenderness as early signs of pregnancy. Nipples often become sore and highly sensitive to touch. The breasts may feel fuller or heavier due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow, making this phase particularly uncomfortable for some.

2nd Trimester

In the second trimester, the pain may lessen as the body adjusts to changing hormone levels. However, changes like darkening and enlargement of the areolae can still cause mild discomfort. The growth of milk ducts and underlying breast tissue may occasionally lead to sharp or stretching sensations, though these are typically less intense than in the first trimester.

3rd Trimester

By the third trimester, breast pain often intensifies as the breasts grow larger and heavier to prepare for breastfeeding. The skin stretching to accommodate this growth can result in tightness or itching, along with tenderness. Many women also experience nipple sensitivity due to colostrum leakage, which adds to the overall discomfort during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Effects of Breast Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, breasts change in shape and size. With increasing tenderness, sensitivity may become multi-fold, and even a casual brush of your clothes against your breasts can cause extreme breast pain. The following changes will be noticeable (4):

1. Nipples

As your skin stretches and expands, your nipples may protrude more than usual.

2. Areolas

The skin around the nipples is known as the areola, and this may turn a shade darker than earlier. You can expect the areola to become spotted and grow in size. The goosebumps that you notice around the areola are tiny sweat glands (also known as Montgomery tubercles), which provide lubrication to the entire area.

3. Veins

As the skin around your breasts stretches to accommodate the growing fat and milk ducts, you will see a vast network of blue veins. These veins carry necessary nutrients and essential fluids to the baby. Your breasts may show unusually rapid growth during the initial stages of your pregnancy, or a gradual increase in size as the pregnancy reaches its conclusion. If it is your first pregnancy, you can expect an upward change in your cup size. If you have missed this phase, then your breasts will expand once your baby arrives.

4. Stretch Marks

The rapid growth and stretching of the skin can lead to the formation of stretch marks (striae) on the breasts. These reddish or purple lines appear as the underlying tissue expands faster than the skin’s elasticity can accommodate, and they may gradually fade to a lighter shade after pregnancy.

Relief for Sore Breasts During Pregnancy

Breast tenderness or sore breasts are quite common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Breasts continue to change shape throughout pregnancy and cease with the production of colostrum, your baby’s first meal. Apart from adopting remedies for breast pain during pregnancy, it’s best to keep your partner informed about your discomfort so that he can exercise enough care and restraint during lovemaking or even while hugging.

The tenderness or pain in your breasts will gradually reduce as you approach the second trimester. Till then, the following tips will help you tide you over the situation (5):

• Breast pain can become an uncomfortable issue while you are walking or even sleeping. So, it makes sense to invest in a maternity bra or exercise bra to help your breasts breathe. To get the perfect-fitting bra, you can visit an in-store specialist.
• You may need to get fittings done more than once during the pregnancy as your breasts continuously change shape.
• Avoid underwire bras as they can get uncomfortable.

Natural Home Remedies

• One of the most common home remedies for breast pain in pregnant women is increasing water intake. Water retention is known to aggravate soreness and pain in the breasts. Drinking enough water during the day will help flush out excess fluids and hormones. You could also add ginger or lemon to your water, as this helps in addressing soreness and pain.
• Reducing the intake of sodium in the diet for a temporary period helps to manage breast pain. However, salt consumption is essential to build up blood volume, so consult your doctor before making any significant dietary changes.
• An excellent source of fibre, flaxseeds are known to reduce breast pain. One tablespoon of finely ground flaxseeds mixed with water, fruit juice or yoghurt can bring great relief. Adding vitamin and mineral-rich foods to your diet can also alleviate breast pain during pregnancy.

OTC Medication

You can relieve breast pain during pregnancy by using medicines with acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These are non-prescription medicines, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before you ingest one if you experience breasts hurting in pregnancy.

When to Consult the Doctor

While breast pain during pregnancy is typically normal, there are certain situations when you should seek medical advice. If the breast pain in pregnancy third trimester and even first and second trimesters, becomes severe or persists without relief, it could indicate an underlying issue that requires attention. Unusual symptoms such as redness, warmth, or swelling accompanied by fever may signal an infection like mastitis. Additionally, if you notice lumps or changes in breast texture that do not feel typical, it’s important to consult your doctor promptly. Always reach out to a healthcare provider if you feel unsure or concerned about the changes in your breasts during pregnancy to ensure both your health and your baby’s well-being.

FAQs

1. Can breast pain during pregnancy occur unevenly between the two breasts?

Yes, it is common for one breast to feel more tender or painful than the other during pregnancy. This can be due to natural anatomical differences, uneven hormone sensitivity, or variations in blood flow.

2. Can breast pain during pregnancy mimic the sensation of burning or itching?

Yes, some women report a burning or itching sensation in their breasts during pregnancy. This unusual symptom can be linked to rapid skin stretching or hormonal changes affecting nerve endings. It’s important to use soothing lotions or consult a doctor if the itching becomes severe or leads to skin irritation.

3. Is it possible for breast pain to radiate to the arms or shoulders during pregnancy?

In some cases, breast pain can radiate to nearby areas like the arms or shoulders due to pressure on nerves or muscles around the chest. This is typically harmless but should be discussed with a doctor if the pain is persistent or severe.

4. Why might I feel breast pain mostly in my armpit area during pregnancy?

This is due to “tail of Spence” pain. Your breast tissue extends into the armpit, and as it grows and milk ducts develop, it can cause specific tenderness or lumps in that area, which is often mistaken for a separate issue.

5. Can a past breast surgery or augmentation affect pregnancy-related breast pain?

Yes, significantly. Scar tissue from previous biopsies, reductions, or implants can restrict normal tissue expansion and alter nerve pathways, often leading to more intense, localized, or unilateral pain compared to typical pregnancy soreness.

This was all about breast pain and pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body will go through significant changes. Remember to avoid stress, pain and physical exertion, and don’t have any qualms about asking for help.

Also Read:

Breast Milk Without Pregnancy
Hip Pain During Pregnancy
Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
Stomach Pain When Pregnant
Breast and Nipple Care in Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. American Pregnancy Association – Early Signs of Pregnancy

2. National Library of Medicine – Breast diseases during pregnancy and lactation

3. HSE – Breast changes during pregnancy

4. Family Health Service – Breast Changes During Pregnancy

5. American Pregnancy Association – Breast Changes During Pregnancy