Breast tenderness is a common symptom of pregnancy. You may notice soreness very early in the pregnancy as your hormone levels surge. It may also become evident in the third trimester as the lactation process starts.
Significance
According to the website birthingnaturally.com, mammary glands develop during pregnancy, unlike all other glands which mature during puberty. Soreness is common when levels of pregnancy hormones such as HCG and progesterone surge in the first trimester as your body shifts to accommodate the growing fetus.
Function
According to birthingnaturally.com you may leak a precursor to milk called colostrum from your breasts as early as the fifth month of pregnancy, although many women do not have fluid come until the baby is born.
Causes
The cause of the breast pain during pregnancy will depend on what point in the pregnancy the soreness occurs. Breast pain is an early symptom of pregnancy, which may occur before you have confirmed your pregnancy through a test. In the last trimester, breast pain can occur due to engorgement of fluid in your breasts or possibly due to an infection around your nipples.
Warnings
According to Medline Plus, you should call your doctor if you have blood or pus discharge from your nipples, if your breasts are hard and swollen after giving birth, or if you notice a lump that does not go away. These are signs of infection.
Prevention/Solution
You can prevent some breast soreness by wearing a good fitting bra both during the day and when you sleep at night. Take warm showers to relieve pain, and avoid close contact when your breasts are most sore.
Tags: your breasts, breast pain, during pregnancy, from your, symptom pregnancy, your nipples
