Naturally, women experience breast changes during pregnancy that we don’t like, but do you know about 12% of women aged 15 to 44 years in the United States cannot get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term? Be happy If you are among those who can give birth to your own child, regardless of the changes your body may experience.
In this article, you will discover 10 breast changes that occur during pregnancy plus 10 things about women breast you probably don’t know yet.
- The breasts get bigger during pregnancy
Your belly isn’t the only thing that will get bigger during pregnancy; your chest too. The mammary glands, which produce milk, are stimulated and become swollen: this is what causes the breasts to become bigger and heavier.
However, the volume really varies from woman to woman: some see almost no difference in the size of their breasts while others take two, three, or even more cup sizes.
- The Breasts become heavier during pregnancy
On the other hand, the breasts also become heavier. The reason is because they retain more fluid – a side effect of increase progesterone and estrogen levels, two hormones that play a big role in pregnancy.
By the ninth month of pregnancy, a woman gained an average of 900g to 1kg just in just her breasts.
- The Breasts hurt during pregnancy
This is one of the classic pregnancy symptoms that can put you on your nerves: your breasts can hurt. Breast tenderness during pregnancy can range from mild discomfort, when touching the skin of the breasts, to pain from wearing a bra, and even itchy. The nipples can also be more sensitive and cause pain and tingling. This is all mainly due to pregnancy hormones.
Breast pain can occur as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception and continue until week 4 of the pregnancy. Due to increased hormone production, the sore boob sensation culminates in the first trimester.
- Breasts can show large veins during pregnancy
Due to the increased blood flow to the breasts during pregnancy, the veins may swell, darken and become more visible. Rest assured, in most cases they will regain their appearance after childbirth.
Please do not scratch or massage them; this can create other problems. Kindly, continue watching to discover why you should not massage your breasts when you are pregnant.
- Stretch marks on the breasts during pregnancy
A big fear of pregnant women is having stretch marks. Indeed, they can appear not only on the stomach, but also on the chest. The rapid growth of the breast tissue causes the skin to stretch, leading to formation of stretch marks on the breasts.
You can blend 3 tbsp of fresh lemon zest with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive and apply the mask on the marks. Save the rest on the fridge for other uses. If you prefer cosmetic, moisturize your entire body daily with an anti-stretch mark cream.
- The nipple changes during pregnancy
During your pregnancy, your body creates melanin which makes the skin darker. In addition to pain, your nipples may therefore change color slightly and become darker, and sometimes stay that way even after giving birth.
It also happens that the nipples stick out stronger and the areolas grow bigger: your breasts are getting ready to breastfeed.
- The Breasts need more support during pregnancy
In many cases, you will have to fill your drawer with appropriate maternity underwear, adapted to all these changes. It is indeed essential to adapt your lingerie as soon as the first changes appear.
To prevent the breasts from sagging after pregnancy, you can, for example, opt for enveloping bras, which support the breasts without compressing them. If the breasts are really heavy, don’t hesitate to keep your bra on overnight.
- The breasts produce colostrum
During the last trimester, you may notice the discharge of a yellowish liquid from your breasts. This liquid, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies. Among other things, it has important properties to help the baby protect himself from infections.
The colostrum production will prepare your breasts for breastfeeding. Colostrum is actually the first milk a breastfed baby will receive at birth and the first few days of life.
- Itching breasts in Pregnancy
Some women may experience Itching breasts, nipples, buttocks, tummy, hands, and feet. Again, this is due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
You may also see your skin drying out as it stretches over your growing body.
The good news is that the itchiness is likely to go away after delivery.
- Breast sucking and premature Labor
This point is not scientifically confirmed by any study, but it is said sucking a woman breast late in her pregnancy can lead to accelerated or premature labor. Some people believe sucking on the nipples can trigger the rupture of the amniotic sac before her body was ready to dilate.
In addition, this can cause premature release of the Colostrum. Often called “first milk”, Colostrum provides the new born with antibodies and nutrients for a healthy start and development.
As promised, here are 10 things you probably don’t know breasts:
- The B cup is the most size common in the world
The best-selling bra size in the world is the B cup. One study published in 2018 reported that the most common size was 34B, followed by 34C, that 63% were size 34 and 39% cup size B. In France, it is the 90B. This trend is, however, evolving towards a size C.
- Breast augmentation is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in developed countries, including the United states and France. For instance, in 2018, there were a total of 313,735 breast augmentations performed in the United States. In France, between 400,000 and 500,000 women wear breast implants.
- Breastfeeding does not make breasts sag
Unlike to the popular belief, breastfeeding does not make breasts sag, but pregnancy, a bit yes. Indeed, 
breastfeeding itself does not have a negative effect on breast support, rather it is the change in volume that accompanies pregnancy that can deprive them of their great appearance.
But it is especially age that will be fatal to your youthful breasts: as you age, you will no longer produce estrogen, which means that your mammary glands and your milk ducts will regress and turn into adipose tissue. Your breasts are then less dense and may even become smaller and lose firmness.
- Every day, 4 million bras are produced in the world
It is very important to wear a bra to ensure the support of the breast, and the women know that. Every second, 46 bras are produced, with China as the world’s largest manufacturer. In total, it is estimated that more than 4 million bras are produced every day in the world.
- Bra was invented by Caresse Crosby
In case you did not know, the first bra model was invented by a 19 year old American girl, Caresse Crosby, in 1913. She was embarrassed by her corset before going to her debutante ball and she imagined a posture. Using two handkerchiefs sewn with ribbon and pins, she created a bra.
- Do not massage sore breasts during pregnancy
The breast is a gland like the thyroid, not a muscle, except the nipple which contains muscle fibers. Breast massage thus stimulates the production of oxytocin, a key hormone in childbirth and can therefore cause a risk of premature delivery if the cervix is already open.
If your breasts are causing you pain, cool them down with a stream of cold water, for example, to decongest them.
- The breasts get bigger when a woman is aroused
The breasts tend to swell during intercourse. Their size can increase by up to 25% when a woman is aroused. You will also be amazed to learn that some women can have an orgasm through breast stimulation.
- Breast cancer is the first female cancer in the world
Breast cancer is the leading female cancer and the top cause of cancer death in women. Women over 50 are the most affected and it is strongly recommended that they undergo frequent screening.
However, the risks for younger people should not be overlooked. In addition, although associated with women, this cancer also affects men.
- The breasts have the driest skin in the body
The skin on your breasts tightens during puberty and becomes the thinnest part of the skin on your body. This is why the nipples are more sensitive and often drier.
Take care of your breasts by moisturizing them regularly, especially during pregnancy. This only can help reduce formation of stretch marks.
- Sleeping on your stomach can change your breast shape
In the long term, the breasts of women who sleep on their stomachs can become deformed and sagging. It is therefore better to sleep on your side, with a pillow under your chest, to help you maintain your youthful breast appearance.
Thank you for watching to the end. The list is far from complete. Kindly share your comment below.
