Many pregnant women report that either they or their partner could feel that their breasts were different, even before they had a positive pregnancy test. Breast changes during pregnancy are a completely natural part of the journey your body will go through over the next several months, and sore breasts, which may even itch, can be one of the very first signs that you are pregnant. But don’t worry, it’s also perfectly possible to be pregnant without experiencing sore breasts. Most women will, however, notice changes in their breasts at some point during pregnancy, whether it’s in terms of tenderness, shape, appearance, or size.
Breast changes occur because your body begins preparing to nourish the little life you're building. The glandular tissue, the part of the breast responsible for producing and transporting milk, starts to grow and develop. This means that your breasts will gradually increase in size throughout pregnancy. Many pregnant women mistakenly think that the fat tissue is growing, but in reality, it’s the glandular tissue.
As a pregnant woman, you may find the larger breasts to be a welcome change, but it’s not always without discomfort. The breasts, especially the nipples, can become unusually sore. While your partner might simply notice your growing bust, you’ll likely experience that small things like the shower stream can feel like a painful reminder of these changes. You might even feel like gently massaging your breasts with our soothing body oil, Embrace, to ease some of the tightness.
In addition to sore breasts, hormonal changes can also lead to increased pigmentation on the breasts. You might notice that the dark area around your nipples becomes darker, and you’ve probably observed that the veins in your breasts become more visible due to increased blood flow. As if that weren’t enough, you might also experience leaking milk during pregnancy. This is called colostrum, and it’s your body’s natural preparation for breastfeeding. If it becomes impractical or bothersome, you can use nursing pads for a little extra comfort in your daily life.
Breast changes during pregnancy can be both exciting and challenging, but they are completely normal. Remember that your body is getting ready to give your baby the best start in life, and most of these changes are temporary. If you experience discomfort, be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and take it easy.