Breast changes are often the first indicator of pregnancy for many women. As your pregnancy advances, so will your breasts. Your oestrogen and progesterone levels are affected throughout pregnancy. In order to prepare the breasts for breastfeeding, this hormone plays a significant role and is responsible for many of the changes you may see. A second hormone, prolactin, is secreted as a result of oestrogen stimulating breast duct cell development. In addition to increasing breast size, prolactin has been shown to increase milk output. Progesterone aids in the growth and development of breast milk-producing cells. Breastfeeding may begin once the mother’s oestrogen and progesterone levels drop and prolactin levels increase.
Changes in the first trimester
Increased blood volume during the first trimester is necessary for the fetus’s growth. Your breast veins may get bigger, bluer and more noticeable as a result of this. The size of your breasts will continue to increase as well. Although these symptoms are common in the first few weeks of pregnancy, they are usually alleviated as your body adapts to the hormonal changes you are experiencing. Even up to your armpits, you may feel the pain. The Tail of Spence breast tissue may be found in that location.
Your nipples may also alter as a result of this treatment. You may notice a darkening of the areola as they become bigger and more sensitive. Also, Montgomery tubercles in the areola may begin to appear. Antiseptic and lubricating properties are found in these little, non-painful bumps, which also aid in nursing.
Changes in the second trimester
Estrogen levels continue to climb throughout the second trimester. As the milk ducts mature, your breasts may continue to feel heavy or full, and you may need to buy a bigger bra to suit your expanding size. When it comes to cup sizes, you may either simply go up one, or you can go up numerous. Determine your bra size by having it measured by a professional. While your breasts will continue to grow and you may only wear a new bra size for a short period of time, wearing a bra that fits can make you feel more confident. During the first few weeks of the second trimester, your breasts will begin to produce colostrum. The first type of breast milk is known as colostrum. Your body may begin generating colostrum at this time, although you may not be aware of it or may begin to leak breast milk. Premature labour may be avoided by checking to see whether you have colostrum flowing out, but overstimulating the nipple might cause it.
Changes in the third trimester
Throughout your pregnancy, your breasts will continue to grow in size and density. The size and prominence of your nipples will increase. They may also alter their appearance. It’s possible that your nipples and areola may continue to darken. You may notice discomfort or dryness on your breasts as the skin strains to accommodate their growth. If this is the case, a light moisturiser might assist. Stretch marks are another possibility.
When do you start producing milk?
After the birth of your baby, your breasts will produce colostrum for a brief period of time. Immunoglobulins and nutrients are packed into colostrum. You will produce more breast milk once colostrum production ceases, but it will be thicker, darker, and stickier. During pregnancy, you may suffer colostrum leaking, although not all pregnant women do. If you leak, don’t worry about “wasting” your baby’s colostrum. Colostrum leakage during pregnancy doesn’t always signify a lack of breast milk production. Pregnancy has an individual effect on each woman’s body. Pregnancy-related leakage may be a source of discomfort. In order to avoid any stains or wet patches from getting on your clothes, you may slip nursing pads inside your bra. Pads may be purchased in disposable or reusable forms, depending on your preference. Your breasts will expand and alter size throughout pregnancy and nursing, regardless of your present size. These alterations don’t tell us anything about your future milk production or nursing abilities.
