What to do if the chest hurts during pregnancy? When the chest begins to hurt during pregnancy, as evidenced by it. The chest is very sore in the early stages.

A woman who dreams of becoming a mother as soon as possible is eager to learn all about the signs of pregnancy, including where and how her breasts hurt after conception. It should be noted right away that soreness of the mammary gland is a purely individual symptom and proceeds differently in pregnant women. Some may not feel discomfort at all until the very birth, others from the first days of conception feel that the breasts are swollen, enlarged and become sensitive.

Most of them note that breast pain during pregnancy is very similar to the one that worries before menstruation. After all, internal changes in both cases are the same and occur under the influence of the hormones progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, prolactin and others. The mammary gland in primiparous mothers is especially painful. What changes are taking place, and how does the chest hurt during pregnancy?

What happens to the breast after conception

The mammary gland consists of 15–20 lobes of glandular tissue, which look like bunches of grapes. Each of them has milk ducts that end at the nipple with pores. They carry milk during lactation.

During pregnancy, under the action of hormones, the glandular tissue grows, and the number of lobes and ducts increases. At the same time, the level of connective tissue remains the same, hence the pressure of enlarged structures on the surrounding nerve fibers and blood vessels occurs, and the woman feels pain.

Over time, the breast adapts to the new state, and the discomfort will disappear.
This usually happens around 10-12 weeks of age. But some pregnant women complain of pain until the very birth. Such processes in the mammary gland are natural and do not require treatment. The norm may be the absence of any discomfort in the chest, as well as pain that cannot be touched or put on underwear.

The external changes in the mammary gland after fertilization of the egg include the following:

1. Volume change. In some cases, it grows by 2-3 sizes. Usually, an increase is noticeable already in the early stages of pregnancy and is the first sign of conception.
2. The appearance of stretch marks. Due to the rapid change in size, collagen fibers may not be able to withstand and rupture. Hence the appearance of stripes of red or blue tint. In some women, a venous network on the mammary gland is visible due to the thinness of the skin.
3. Isolation of colostrum. When pressing on the nipple, a yellowish liquid of a thick consistency flows out. More often this phenomenon is characteristic in the first days after childbirth, but it is also observed during pregnancy.
4. The nipples and areolas are changing. They acquire a dark color. On the areola, Montgomery's tubercles become more pronounced. Their function is to secrete a special secret that prevents dry skin.

Such breast changes are physiological and necessary to prepare for future lactation and feeding the baby.

If a pregnant woman does not have any of these signs, do not worry. This is also within the normal range and will not affect breastfeeding in any way.

Where and how do the mammary glands hurt

At women's forums on pregnancy and childbirth, the issue of localization of painful sensations is actively discussed.

Of course, such a sign is individual, but most expectant mothers note the appearance of pain most often in two areas:

1. Laterally, from the armpit to the nipple. A tingling sensation may also accompany this.
2. In the area of ​​the nipple. His sensitivity is most disturbing and inconvenient for pregnant women. Increases while wearing a low-quality and tight bra. The reason for this condition lies in the physiological protection of the nipple from excessive stimulation. It is known that constant exposure to it causes uterine contractions, and this is not at all desirable during pregnancy.

The nature of the pain is also different. It can be sharp, tingling or aching and bursting from the inside. At times it gives to the armpit or shoulder area. Can be so intense that it keeps you awake and makes it difficult to get dressed. Often accompanied by itching of the mammary gland. If the chest itches, this is a sign that it is growing, and the skin is stretching. Itching in the nipple area is associated with the appearance of a secret (colostrum) and a change in shape. The nipple, like the entire mammary gland, swells and increases.

If the pain is too severe, only one mammary gland changes, or suspicious discharge from the nipple appears, then it is necessary to visit a mammologist to rule out the development of neoplasms or disease.

During pregnancy, previously unidentified seals or cysts actively grow. They can be detected at home during palpation or with an ultrasound as prescribed by a doctor. In this case, the pain is localized in the place where the neoplasm appeared. A timely appeal to a specialist will help eliminate the development of a malignant process, and dispel the worries of the expectant mother.

How to reduce breast tenderness

If a healthy pregnant woman is concerned about discomfort in her chest, then their manifestation can be reduced by the following actions:

1. Pick the right underwear. It is better to purchase a special bra for pregnant and lactating mothers, which is made from natural fabrics and without hard inserts. Also, it should have wide straps, good support for the chest and be perfectly sized. If the breast is growing rapidly, you do not need to save on buying new underwear. You can leave it on at night to reduce discomfort while you sleep. When discharge appears, use special inserts in the bra, which are sold at the pharmacy.
2. Eat fewer salty foods. Salt has the ability to accumulate fluid in the body, which makes the pain worse. During pregnancy, it is better to stick to a diet and give up fried, spicy, alcohol and harmful foods. Proper nutrition will not only reduce discomfort, but is also beneficial for the baby.
3. Do air baths. They help improve blood circulation in the nipples and reduce sensitivity. Just 15 minutes a day is enough. It will also prepare the breast for future feeding, and harden the nipple.
4. If there are no contraindications, you can perform light physical exercises to strengthen the pectoral muscles. This is an excellent prevention of sagging, and a way to reduce pain.
5. When it hurts a lot, it is better to massage under a shower at room temperature. Stroke the breast with soft circular motions, bypassing the nipple area. This procedure is also beneficial for the skin of the mammary gland.

In addition to chest pain, there are many signs by which conception can be determined. If, along with a delay in menstruation, drowsiness, a change in taste preferences, the chest swells and hurts, most likely, you need to use a pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist to confirm the birth of a new life under the heart of an already expectant mother.

The mammary glands of a pregnant woman change under the influence of estrogen and progesterone. Hormones cause the breasts to enlarge, swell and swell, increase the sensitivity of the skin and nipples, dilate the milk ducts and activate areas responsible for lactation. The whole process can be accompanied by discomfort that lasts from several weeks to several months. We understand what kind of pain is the norm, and what symptoms indicate a pathology and are the reason for an additional examination.

Pain in the first trimester

Discomfort in the mammary glands may appear in the early stages of pregnancy. As soon as the egg attaches to the endometrium, the concentration of progesterone in the body will increase. The hormone expands the milk ducts and blood vessels, so the breast swells, swells, and a network of veins appears on its surface.

Progesterone also makes the mammary glands more rounded and heavy, and the nipples more tender and sensitive to any touch. The skin may take on a bluish tint, and discomfort often extends to Spence's tail, the area near the armpit.

Attachment of the egg and an increase in progesterone occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle, most often on days 18–22. Around the same time, there are pains in the mammary glands.

Many girls attribute chest discomfort in the early stages to PMS. But in a pregnant woman, pain in the mammary glands is accompanied not only by swelling and hypersensitivity. She also has:

• the size of the nipples increases;
• areolas darken;
• breast grows;
• Montgomery tubercles form on the areoles.

Pain in the mammary glands disappears or decreases towards the end of the first trimester, when the body adapts to hormonal changes.

Discomfort in the second and third trimester

Toward the middle or end of the second trimester, preparation for lactation begins. Increases the level of prolactin, which is responsible for the production of colostrum. Adipose tissue replaces the connective tissue, and the milk ducts expand even more.

At 15–20 weeks, a woman may feel that her mammary glands have become more voluminous and have increased by 1–2 sizes. The nipples stretched out, and uncomfortable sensations appeared in the chest again. For many pregnant women, pain in the second and third trimester is not as intense as in the first. It occurs immediately after waking up, but in the evening it subsides and becomes almost invisible.

Discomfort in the second trimester does not appear in all women. In some patients, the breast changes and grows without pain. Discomfort occurs a few weeks before delivery or a few days after, when colostrum begins to be produced.

How long does the chest hurt

Breast tenderness may persist for one, three, or all nine months. In some women, discomfort disappears at 11-13 weeks, when the placenta is activated. The shell in which the fetus develops actively absorbs progesterone, so its concentration in the blood decreases slightly, and unpleasant symptoms disappear.

In other pregnant women, the chest stops hurting just before the birth. And in the second or third trimester, burning, dryness, itching in the nipples and stretch marks are added to the aching or dull pain. Symptoms appear due to the active growth of adipose tissue. It stretches the skin too quickly, so the dermis does not have time to adapt to the changes, and discomfort occurs.

The pain disappears towards the end of the second trimester or by the middle of the third, when the woman begins to produce colostrum. Milk production is a signal that the breast has completely rebuilt and is ready for lactation.

Do breasts always hurt during pregnancy

The mammary glands do not hurt in all pregnant women. The breast can develop and grow without discomfort. In some women, the sensitivity of the nipples simply increases and a venous network appears.

The absence of pain in the early stages is not a deviation from the norm, but if the discomfort disappeared abruptly at 8–9 weeks, this is a reason to turn to. In the first trimester, there is a high risk of miscarriage and miscarriage. This is due to hormonal disruptions, stress, pathologies in the fetus or diseases of the endocrine system in the mother.

If the level of progesterone, estrogen or thyroid hormones decreases in the body, the mammary glands decrease in size, lose firmness and elasticity, and stop hurting. Although in some cases, discomfort only intensifies. Too intense and sharp pain is also a reason to consult a doctor and take additional tests.

How do breasts hurt during pregnancy?

Discomfort is moderate, medium and strong. With severe pain, the mobility of the upper limbs and chest is limited, so a woman may need to consult a gynecologist and drugs that can reduce symptoms.

Discomfort sensations are different not only in intensity, but also in character. Pregnant women experience:

• burning and pressing feeling in the nipples;
• tingling inside the mammary glands;
• swelling of the nipples and areolas;
• bursting pain that spreads to both glands;
• swelling of the nipples and areolas;
• itching inside the breast or around the nipples;
• dull or sharp pain that radiates to the armpits, back, and arms.

Discomfort during pregnancy is similar to the symptoms of PMS, but sometimes they are more pronounced or, conversely, less intense than usual. All these are variants of the norm, if there are no other warning signs.

When chest pain is normal

Pain in the mammary glands can periodically come and go throughout pregnancy. And that's okay. A woman should not worry if:

• stretch marks appear on the chest;
• a clear or white liquid is released from the nipples in the second or third trimester;
• areolas darken;
• itching and dry skin appears;
• colostrum becomes thicker or thinner.

All of the above symptoms are just variations of the norm. If the pregnant woman does not have an increased or decreased level of hormones, there is no feeling of heat in the mammary glands, there are no seals or strange secretions, and the fetal heartbeat is clearly audible on ultrasound, there is no reason to panic.

When chest pain is a cause for concern

Additional consultation with a gynecologist and mammologist may be needed if a pregnant woman:

• discharge appears from only one mammary gland;
• the secret acquires a yellow or light green hue and an unpleasant odor;
• one breast increases in size, and the second does not;
• bloody inclusions appear in the discharge for more than 4-5 days;
• fever and general malaise;
• the structure of the breast is heterogeneous, there are seals and depressions inside the mammary glands.

Severe pain that does not decrease or disappear for several months can also warn of health problems. In 95% of pregnant women, unpleasant symptoms appear due to infections, inflammatory diseases and benign formations. But in some women, hormonal surges trigger the growth of malignant tumors, so if you have the slightest doubt, you should immediately go to the gynecologist.

The attending physician will examine the chest and help find the cause of strange symptoms. If the gynecologist has suspicions, he will refer the pregnant woman to a mammologist and offer to undergo an additional examination:

• take a general blood test;
• do an analysis of fluid from the mammary gland;
• undergo a breast ultrasound;
• make an appointment for an MRI or x-ray examination with a contrast agent.

Procedures involving irradiation of a pregnant woman are prescribed only as a last resort, but you should not refuse them. MRI and x-rays will harm the child much less than a neglected malignant tumor in the mother.

How to relieve chest pain during pregnancy

There are several ways to reduce soreness of the mammary glands during pregnancy: diet, physical activity, and the right underwear.

Nutrition for chest pain

Leafy greens, legumes, and nuts reduce nipple sensitivity. And flaxseeds and fresh ginger improve blood circulation in the mammary glands and soothe pain. The ground seeds can be consumed with water, yogurt or fruit juices. Add ginger to salads and soups in small quantities.

Lemon and fennel are useful for pregnant women. Citrus tones the blood vessels and helps with the venous network, and also reduces toxicosis in the first trimester. Warm water with lemon juice can be drunk in the morning to relieve nausea and relieve breast tenderness.

With swelling of the mammary glands, it is worth reducing the amount of salt in the diet. It retains excess fluid in the soft tissues and increases discomfort. Pure water, on the contrary, reduces swelling and improves the well-being of a pregnant woman.

Physical activity

You should not give up sports even at a later date, if there are no contraindications. Moderate physical activity tones up blood vessels and normalizes blood circulation in the mammary glands. Nordic walking and outdoor walks, morning warm-up and special exercises for training the pectoral muscles are useful for pregnant women. You can sign up for fitness or swimming for expectant mothers.

Proper underwear

Ordinary bras with underwire and decorative elements should be replaced with special seamless tops. Underwear for pregnant women is sewn from natural and very soft fabrics so that they do not irritate the skin and do not rub the nipples.

Maternity bras have wide straps that support swollen breasts, and instead of bones, wide and elastic bands. They fix the mammary glands well, but do not disturb blood circulation and outflow of lymphatic fluid.

Bras come in several types:

• for everyday life;
• for Sport;
• for sleep.

Sports tops are tougher. They protect the mammary glands from excessive friction and reduce discomfort. A sleep bra should be softer and more breathable. In the later stages, it is worth buying underwear with internal pockets for disposable liners that absorb colostrum.

The right bra should match the size of your breasts. Tight underwear that compresses the mammary glands too much will only increase discomfort and swelling.

Water procedures

A warm shower helps relieve pain. Hot water dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the mammary glands. A warm shower can be replaced with a sea salt bath, but the procedure should be discussed with a gynecologist.

If hot water only aggravates unpleasant symptoms, you can try cold compresses. Ice wrapped in cloth is applied to the mammary glands for 10-30 minutes 2-3 times a day. Cold constricts blood vessels and milk ducts, reduces swelling and reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings. Ice compresses should be used very carefully so that they do not provoke mastitis.

Proper care will help fight nipple sensitivity. The chest should be washed only with soft gels or baby soap, wiped with a terry towel, and after bathing, rub a nourishing cream into the skin. Moisturizers protect against dryness and cracking, reduce the risk of stretch marks.

Nourishing cream can be supplemented with blue clay masks. It relieves swelling, dryness, inflammation and has a slight anesthetic effect. apply a thick layer on the mammary glands for 15–25 minutes and rinse with warm water. The procedure is repeated 1-2 times a week. Blue clay can be taken orally and added to the bath while bathing, but these methods are best discussed with a gynecologist.

Breast pain during pregnancy, as well as its absence, is quite natural, but this does not mean that it should be tolerated. It is better to discuss this problem with a gynecologist and, together with a doctor, choose methods that will reduce unpleasant symptoms, improve mood and improve the health of the expectant mother.

There are a large number of primary signs of pregnancy. One of the most noticeable and pronounced is swelling, soreness and increased sensitivity of the mammary glands. Such a symptom can sometimes alert or even frighten an inexperienced woman. In addition, not always swollen breasts are a hormonal “signal” that indicates life emerging in the womb. Sometimes such changes can be a sign of women's health problems.

Why does the breast swell during pregnancy?

The female body is designed in such a way that the fertilization of the egg instantly starts the processes of changes in almost all of its systems. Preparation for gestation, childbirth and lactation begins with an increase in the concentration of such hormones in the blood of a woman:

• progesterone;
• oxytocin;
• human chorionic gonadotropin - hCG;
• prolactin.

A group of these hormones affects the mammary glands of the expectant mother literally from the first hours after conception.

Despite the fact that there are still as many as 9 months ahead, the body has a huge amount of work to do. That is why swelling and increased sensitivity of the breast is one of the very first messengers of the onset of pregnancy.

The breast is already beginning to prepare for the lactation period. Over the next 40 weeks, it will become twice as large, the milk ducts will expand, the nipples and blood vessels will increase. All this is the reason for the swelling of the mammary glands in early pregnancy.

Feelings of the expectant mother with breast swelling

Each organism is a unique biomechanism, despite the fact that all organ systems work according to the same principles. There is a list of individual factors due to which the reaction of each woman to the onset of pregnancy acquires an individual character:

• genetic predisposition;
• body constitution;
• height and weight;
• health status before pregnancy;
• lifestyle, etc.

These factors affect the rate of onset of pain and heaviness in the chest, as well as the severity of sensations. Some women do not feel any special changes in their body until the beginning of intensive growth of the abdomen, while others begin to suspect their position already in the second or third week of gestation. Many describe the condition of the mammary glands as similar to the one that happens before the onset of "women's" days.

If you collect all the sensations described by different women, you can make a list:

• feeling of heaviness;
• feeling of pain;
• a feeling of bursting;
• hypersensitivity;
• soreness of the nipples;
• pain radiating to the armpits;
• sensation of a rush of milk, etc.

All these feelings correspond to the processes that occur in the breast of a pregnant woman. Feelings of heaviness and a rush of milk in the last stages of pregnancy are especially pronounced. For early periods, increased sensitivity and soreness are more characteristic.

How long after conception does breast swelling occur?

Not always and far from all women experience discomfort in the mammary glands at an early stage of pregnancy, although most begin to notice increased sensitivity of the areola and nipple already 2-3 weeks after conception (we recommend reading:). Young girls often ask themselves the question: when will the breasts begin to fill up from the moment of conception, after how many days or weeks will it hurt? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to such questions, since each pregnancy is unique and the initial symptoms manifest themselves in everyone in their own way and at different times.

Usually, the breast begins to swell after the fetal egg has implanted in the wall of the uterus, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, in the wall of the fallopian tube. After the zygote is completely immersed in the bowels of the fleecy epithelium, the release of a large amount of hormones into the blood is activated and the first symptoms of pregnancy begin to appear.

Does it always happen?

It is often possible to meet the opposite question: why does the chest not hurt if the pregnancy has come? According to recent medical research, the mammary glands most often do not hurt in women who are underweight or who are actively involved in strength sports. Sometimes the breast does not respond to the onset of pregnancy in those suffering from cycle disorders or hormonal imbalances.

Approximately half of pregnant women begin to feel that their breasts swell when they are 6-8 months pregnant. The individual characteristics of the body play a huge role in which symptoms will appear and which will not be noticed by a woman for all 40 weeks. The breast will fill up gradually, without causing any tangible changes in the well-being of the expectant mother.

Do breasts swell during ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a condition dangerous to a woman's health when the zygote does not reach the uterine cavity and is implanted in the wall of the fallopian tube, ovary, or abdominal wall. This development scenario is not normal. Despite this, before the onset of critical periods, the reaction of the body will be the same as during a normally developing pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) will be detected in the blood during a biochemical analysis, the level of other hormones will also increase, which means that the breasts can fill up during an ectopic pregnancy too.

Can the condition be painful?

There comes a day when a woman begins to feel a burning sensation and fullness of her breasts due to the activation of prolactin. A high concentration of this hormone causes the ducts to expand at an accelerated pace - hence the pain. Abrupt changes cannot go unnoticed and will certainly cause a feeling of discomfort, but they will not significantly exceed the intensity of pain, as during ovulation or before the onset of menstruation.

How to relieve breast pain during pregnancy?

The strength of pain in the mammary glands of the expectant mother can be of varying severity, depending on the woman's individual ability to endure pain. Not everyone can endure, so they try to find a way to reduce painful symptoms. There are a number of recommendations from obstetricians that will help a pregnant woman alleviate suffering:

• choose the right underwear, taking into account changes in breast size;
• choose a bra made from natural, breathable fabrics;
• take care of the skin of the decollete area with the help of special creams;
• take a contrast shower and do a light massage.

Choosing a bra plays a huge role in how a woman will feel her mammary glands. There are many models of this wardrobe item, which are sewn just for pregnant and lactating women. They are made from natural cotton fabrics with a much smaller percentage of artificial threads. The straps of these bras are wider to support rapidly growing breasts. As a rule, in 9 months the female bust increases by 1.5-2 sizes, so you will have to purchase a bra several times, choosing the appropriate gestational age.

Proper care of the décolleté area will also help relieve unpleasant symptoms. The Maternity & Nursing Cream soothes and hydrates the skin to help prevent stretch marks. When applying the cream, a woman can make light, massaging, circular movements. Massage and contrast showers help stimulate blood circulation, which relieves the sensations in the chest, which is forced to change at an accelerated pace.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

The natural reaction of the mammary glands to fertilization and the introduction of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity manifests itself as a response in the form of sensations of swelling and overcrowding. Not very pronounced feelings of pain, burning and itching are also acceptable.

Pathological symptoms include:

• strong pain;
• the presence of lumps that can be felt;
• redness;
• change in shape, often bulging to one side;
• rough, scaly nipple and areola;
• foul-smelling discharge of yellow-gray color from the nipples.

If a woman in position has noticed at least one of these symptoms, it is urgent to consult a doctor. Such a picture may indicate the development of inflammatory processes, the formation of benign and even malignant tumors. In addition, women who have been diagnosed or treated with cysts and seals before pregnancy are at risk.

Today, breast cancer is the number one cause of diseases that lead to female mortality. Untimely admission to the hospital leads to the loss of precious time and the transition of the disease to an aggressive phase. A woman should understand that soreness of the mammary glands does not always occur due to the onset of pregnancy, ovulation, or premenstrual syndrome. Sometimes such sensations may appear for other reasons. At the same time, the absence of pain may also not be an indicator of health.

That is why a woman should always be attentive and responsible to her health, undergo routine examinations, take tests, do mammography and ultrasound of the breast. The female breast requires special attention during pregnancy and lactation (for more details, see the article:). The doctor orders an ultrasound scan for those who have warning symptoms. A healthy mother will more easily endure pregnancy and provide full breastfeeding to the baby.

When pregnancy occurs, the hormonal restructuring of the female body begins, and the breast is the first to react to this. The mammary glands swell and compress the vascular and nerve bundles, this is the main reason that causes pain.

During pregnancy, the supply of blood to the breast increases, which contributes to an increase in its mass. The restructuring affects not only the weight of the breast, but also the formation of new milk ducts and blood vessels. The breast is preparing for the procedure of feeding the baby.

How does the chest hurt during pregnancy, why and is it normal? These questions are asked by almost all expectant mothers. You will find the information you need in our article.

The color of the halos and nipples changes, and stretch marks appear with poor skin elasticity.

When (for how long) does the chest begin to hurt during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women feel chest pain - this happens both at the beginning of the period and lasts throughout the entire period. Since the body is individual for everyone, the processes in it occur in their own way.

Most often, pain during gestation is present in the 1st and last month.

Experts note that this affects:

• the level of the hormonal background of a woman;
• age;
• vascular or endocrine system diseases;
• heredity;
• level of sensitivity to pain threshold.

Do breasts hurt in early pregnancy

Some begin to feel chest discomfort as early as 1 week after conception, but on average, this happens at 4 weeks. Previously, young fragile women will feel pain, and full ones in 2 weeks.

In most cases, chest pain begins to be felt at 4 weeks of pregnancy.

There is an adaptation of the body somewhere towards the end of the 1st trimester of pregnancy, and the pain in the chest disappears or will be less severe, since the growth of its mass completely stops or slows down significantly. At the same time, toxicosis also passes.

Does the chest hurt in the middle of the term

For some, the pain continues into the 2nd trimester, but rarely. More often there is only a special sensitivity in the nipples and discomfort. From the 18th week, colostrum is produced.

In the second trimester, chest pain is almost not noticeable, and the mammary glands are preparing for future lactation - colostrum is produced

Do breasts hurt in the last trimester

There are times when the pain persists until the very birth. But basically - it comes back just before delivery. This is due to the fact that at the end of pregnancy there is again a big hormonal explosion, and the breast cannot but react to this.

It swells again, hurts and gets bigger. The volume of secretions of colostrum increases. The skin itches and stretch marks appear. All this indicates that the process of preparing the body for feeding the baby has been completed.

How does the chest hurt during pregnancy

The presence of pain and its severity is influenced by the individual characteristics of the body, and not by when the pain began and how long it lasted.

How does the chest hurt during pregnancy:

• tingling in the nipples;
• pulling and cutting sensations;
• heaviness and swelling in it.

Chest pain may worsen during sleep with a change in position

They are often so strong that any touch is very painful.

In addition, it is worth noting that pains are cyclical and react to cold or heat. Often the pain is aggravated at night, when changing the position of the body. It also depends on the emotional state, so pregnant women need only positive emotions and nervous shocks are contraindicated.

If the chest hurts a lot during pregnancy - is this the norm?

Breast pain during pregnancy is normal. According to experts, they are present at one time or another during the gestation of the fetus in almost everyone. This is due to the ongoing physiological transformations in the chest.

The pain level in women is also different: it can be very strong or practically absent, but these are natural processes, and this should not be feared.

Doctors point out that during this period, the breast needs special care. It is necessary to take a daily shower, the skin of the chest must breathe and not sting.

Why did the chest stop hurting during pregnancy

How the chest hurts during pregnancy - it depends on the amount of hormones (progesterone, estrogen and prolactin) and on the general condition of the pregnant woman.

The cessation of pain occurs in two cases:

• after the 1st trimester, when the main transformations took place in the body, he rebuilt and got used to the new position;
• with pathological changes and a threat to the fetus.

The disappearance of pain may mean a threat to pregnancy if there is insufficient production of progesterone, which is necessary for the full growth of the child.

A timely trip to the gynecologist will save the life of the fetus, because there are various drugs that will help make up for the lack of hormones. These include: natural progesterone, Utrozhestan, Duphaston, Crinon gel, Injesta, Endometrin.

The disappearance of chest pain during pregnancy may indicate a threat of miscarriage, so gynecologists often prescribe drugs to produce progesterone

Problems with the thyroid gland or pituitary gland lead to hormonal failure, which can also provoke an abrupt cessation of chest pain and cause a miscarriage.

Therefore, when the breast stops hurting, it becomes soft and abdominal pain appears, an urgent visit to the gynecologist is necessary to maintain the pregnancy.

How long does the chest hurt during pregnancy

There is no single answer to this question, because it affects the general well-being of a woman Because all people are unique. Some pains start abruptly and stop quickly. In others, on the contrary, they are not so strong, but they continue throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

The general well-being of a woman affects how the chest hurts during pregnancy

Usually, chest pain goes away when the hormonal influence subsides and the main tissue growth is completed.

Breast during pregnancy does not hurt - is it normal

The absence of pain is not a sign of any pathology. Like pain, they are not an indicator of the normal or abnormal development of pregnancy. The absence of discomfort is more common in curvy ladies with a large bust. Also, if the skin is elastic, then the increase in breast mass will not be accompanied by stretch marks.

In addition, women often talk about the complete absence of pain and discomfort in the chest during the second and subsequent pregnancies.

With a frozen pregnancy, chest pain disappears

Does the chest hurt during a frozen pregnancy

During the 1st trimester, the likelihood of fetal fading is high, although there are cases of this in the final stages. The reasons are different, the most common include all kinds of infections, hormone failure and the genetic characteristics of the embryo. But it happens when all these factors meet together.

A frozen pregnancy is a huge shock for the female body, since the processes of gestation and childbirth that have begun suddenly stop. The chest stops hurting, and on the 3rd day it becomes soft and not sensitive, this indicates that the fetus has died and you should urgently go to the hospital.

If the pain returns abruptly, also you need to go to the doctor and check the fetal heartbeat on ultrasound.

Does the breast hurt during an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is the fertilization of an egg outside the uterine cavity: in the ovary, in the abdominal cavity, or in the cervix. With ectopic development of the fetus, the mammary glands hurt in the same way as the chest hurts during normal pregnancy. After all, the processes occurring in a woman's body, especially at first, are the same.

That is, there is a hormonal transformation of the female body and the preparation of the mammary glands for lactation, which is not a pathology, but, on the contrary, a natural process.

As with normal pregnancy, not everyone has pain with an ectopic pregnancy. At first, the symptoms are the same:

• heaviness in the mammary glands, and they swell;
• pain and special sensitivity;
• colostrum is released;
• the color of the nipples becomes darker;
• due to the growth of the breast, the skin is stretched and thinned, and the venous
• grid.

These signs are not deviations, but only indicate the preparation of the breast for feeding the baby.

Pregnancy: chest hurts, what to do

To relieve pain in the mammary glands when carrying a fetus, you should wear the right underwear.

The bra should be chosen comfortable, without synthetics, only from natural material. It should have as few seams and decorative ornaments as possible, be with thick straps to firmly hold the weight of the chest.

The main thing is not to squeeze the chest and disrupt blood circulation. It is better to purchase a bra designed specifically for pregnant and lactating mothers. As the mammary glands increase, it needs to be changed to another, larger one.

Buy special bras for pregnant women - they will reduce pain in the chest

To reduce discomfort in the 1st trimester:

• you don’t need to take off your bra at night, especially with heightened sensitivity;
• every day you need to wash your chest or wipe it with a towel dipped in warm water;
• do not use body wash, they will dry out the skin of the breast and nipples.

If the skin of the nipples is overdried, it may crack. In this case you need to treat the wounds with ointment D-panthenol or Bepanthen. And for deep cracks, Avent or Actovegin is used.

To heal cracks in the nipples, you can also use folk methods. Linseed oil, cabbage leaves and burdock, parsley, St. John's wort flowers, hemp seeds help well. It is also recommended to lubricate the nipples with honey, it will speed up the healing process and make them softer.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, the same methods as in the first are suitable for reducing chest pain. But you can add a number of new ones:

• To temper the chest - rubdowns with alternating cold and hot water and air baths are well suited. This will reduce pain and protect against the development of mastitis.

• Use special bra pads designed to absorb secretions. It is necessary to replace them in a timely manner with clean ones, otherwise an infection may develop.
• Engage in simple gymnastics that will strengthen the pectoral muscles, which will lead to the outflow of lymph and reduce heaviness.

The nature, timing of breast pain during pregnancy is individual in each case. The pain may be intense or mild, sometimes absent altogether. With severe discomfort, it is necessary to provide her with proper care, choose comfortable underwear.

Changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy:

How and why the chest hurts, incl. during pregnancy:

Often, women even before the test notice some changes in their body. One of the first "bells" is the breast during pregnancy, which swells, hurts or becomes too sensitive. Someone writes it off for premenstrual syndrome, while in fact the life of the unborn baby begins to develop.

Rapid hormonal changes quickly make themselves felt, so even at the beginning of pregnancy, the female breast undergoes the first changes. It is important to understand what condition is considered normal, and what should be feared.

Usually, a pregnant woman's breasts increase in size and painful sensations appear. Increased sensitivity is noted. The color of the halos and nipples becomes different. Often, because the breast swells, a vascular network appears.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the same changes in the breast are noted as with a normal one.

Due to the fact that the mammary glands increase, they appear. Rapid growth is noted in the first trimester, and then closer to childbirth. The breast may increase by several sizes. If the skin is not elastic enough, stretch marks cannot be avoided.

But in our time, this is not a problem - there are many safe and oils that can be used.

Norm

Each person is individual. Therefore, you should not think that everyone’s breasts “behave” the same way during pregnancy. The timing of change is also different for everyone. In some expectant mothers, already at week 11, the mammary glands look the same as in others only during lactation.

Expectant mothers are wondering if one breast can hurt during pregnancy. Doctors say that such a phenomenon is not a cause for concern.

Major changes

Increase . Intensive growth of the mammary glands is what happens to everyone, because the body is preparing for motherhood, feeding. Already in the first month, women clearly notice how the breasts swell during pregnancy.

If rapid growth occurred during the gestation period, then after childbirth nothing will change or slightly. Do not worry if the breast does not increase during pregnancy - sometimes the process begins only by the sixth or seventh month.

Estrogens are stimulants for the growth of the milk ducts, and glandular tissue grows because of progesterone. The connective tissue also grows, and after the end of feeding, it is converted into fatty tissue.

Increased sensitivity. Women note that they experience discomfort. Someone is just hypersensitivity, and the majority notes that during pregnancy, the chest hurts. It fills up and becomes tense. This always indicates active preparation for breastfeeding and is the first sign of an interesting situation. Sometimes such sensations occur even before the delay of menstruation.

Change in nipples. Among the first signs of pregnancy is not only an increase in size. Nipples change in color and shape. They become larger, and pimples appear around them. The area around the nipple and he darken. Blood vessels begin to appear. After childbirth, these manifestations disappear.

Isolation of colostrum. The appearance of a thick, sticky yellow mass from the breast in pregnant women is a necessary stage before the appearance of milk. Colostrum contains even more vitamins and antibodies than milk. This is the first food from which the baby will receive the most useful substances.

Stretch marks. Even if the chest is small, this does not mean that there will be no stretch marks. It can increase by several sizes, which will necessarily lead to stretch marks. It's not about the volume of the chest, but about the elasticity of the skin. If there is a sufficient amount of collagen, then the risk of stretch marks is small.

Some say that the breasts after pregnancy are covered with dark purple stripes - this is a consequence of damage to the blood vessels. With proper care, you can avoid the appearance of bright stretch marks and quickly return your breasts to their normal appearance. It is important to start even before the moment when a woman feels that her skin is itching.

What is considered a danger signal?

Usually, women begin to panic when, over time, the breasts during pregnancy do not increase, and remain soft to the touch. This does not always mean that it is worth raising the alarm, but the expectant mother needs to listen to her body and other dangerous symptoms.

When registering, ideally at week 9, you need to listen to your feelings and tell the doctor about them.

Reasons for concern:

• appearance;
• the appearance of blood from the vagina;
• asymmetric breast enlargement, the presence of depressions or swelling;
• a sharp increase in temperature;
• general malaise.

If one or more of these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. You need to carefully consider your body if the chest has fallen and returned to its previous size. It happens that the mammary gland has decreased by another - in the midst of preparing the body for lactation.

In the event that the chest does not hurt during pregnancy, the gynecologist may raise the question of a missed pregnancy or about. It happens that the chest "burns". Perhaps this is a manifestation of mastopathy - inflammation of the breast, in which fibrotic changes and discharge occur. If at least one - left or right - breast becomes hot, it is necessary to see a gynecologist.

When does the change start and how long does it last?

Expectant mothers are interested not only in what the breast becomes during pregnancy, but also at what time it will stop changing. It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. A woman's body can respond to the release of hormones in different ways. Some have noticed that the chest hurts during pregnancy throughout the entire period. And this is the norm.

Other women say that the breast did not show itself in the first weeks of pregnancy, and during the entire period of gestation. But this does not mean that there is a failure in the body.

Is it normal if a woman does not feel when her chest hurts during pregnancy? Perhaps she initially has more room for the growth of glandular tissue. Therefore, the growth has not become so pronounced. Often, women note that the most unpleasant sensations occur in the early stages and already at 14 weeks all symptoms disappear. The tissues adapt to the fluctuations in hormone levels, and it becomes easier.

Experts note that in most cases, already at week 10, there comes a time when a significant part of the changes in the breast has occurred. This does not mean that the process is over, just that it is gradually declining. Do not worry if the chest during pregnancy stopped hurting at about 12 weeks. Most likely, the time has come when the body has completed the first stage of preparation for the birth of a child.

It is important that the expectant mother remembers her individuality, and does not listen to her pregnant or giving birth friends. You should not compare and look for “alarm signals” in yourself. It is wrong to ask friends when the chest stops hurting during pregnancy, because there will be no single answer. For someone, already at week 5, the first signs of preparing the mammary glands for feeding recede.

The expectant mother may stop being tormented by sore breasts at week 7 or much later - all these are normal options. However, if you are tormented by suspicions, it is better to consult a doctor and not worry in vain.

Useful video about preparing the breast for feeding the baby

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