Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, full of joy and wonder. But let's be real, it can also be confusing and painful. Especially when we talk about sore breasts.
Some women are lucky enough not to experience any discomfort during their pregnancy. Others feel like they have been kicked by a horse right in the chest area. So, what's the deal with breasts during pregnancy? When do they ease up?
What Causes Breast Soreness During Pregnancy?
Before understanding when breast soreness eases up during pregnancy, let us first understand why our milk-makers become so tender.
During early pregnancy, your hormone levels soar high (hello estrogen!). Higher levels of hormones cause blood flow to increase all over your body - this includes breasts too! As a result of increased blood supply plus hormonal fluctuations within their tissue structures leads towards swollen and delicate breast tissues (ouch!).
Now that we know why our knockers hurt so much let’s find out how long can you expect them to remain that way:
First Trimester Pain & Discomfort
Breast pain is common throughout the first trimester due to elevated hormone levels (ughh).It usually starts around four weeks into your pregnancy and may persist until 12-14 weeks or later.If at any point before 8th week you realize developed fetus ‘leaves’; pain should decrease rapidly .
So there’s hope for mamas who don’t welcome boob discomfort!
Second Trimester Salvation
Once you enter the second trimester... ta-daa no more breast tenderness(YAYY)! The placenta takes over hormone production from ovaries which helps stabilize hormone fluctuations reducing swelling & tenderness in mammary glands"
However ,if prenatal boobs still ache/heavy/cramping - No problem (yes we got your back!). Just use a supportive bra, preferably one without underwire .
Third Trimester Troubles
As you enter the third and final trimester,do not assume that it's safe to burn those comfort bras, Mama! Although pain is lighter ,it knocked at warm up exercises end body position changes.
Bigger sized breasts can also be susceptible to heat rashes or fungal infections during this time - well a little caution never hurts!
When all’s said & done mainly nothings will relieve sore boobs entirely. But --there are things that can help ease the discomfort:
Invest in Good Supportive Bras
Wearing good quality comfortable bras with wide straps gives better support to breasts preventing them from sagging due to their increased size.(and lessens discomfort too!)
Guidelines:lookout for soft cotton textures/avoid tight-fitting ones /wired ones should be an absolute NO-NO.
Ice Therapy
Not only does using ice soothe any inflammation associated with soreness of mammaries but it also brings welcome relief when applied between feeding schedules (yeah babies;they’re cute right? but they sure aren't gentle!).
Fill baggies with crushed ice cubes directly applying on mammary glands/quicker replacement or Opt for icepacks freezable via water bottle sectionor if both options dont come through than go traditional by draping cloth soaked in cold water over 'em swollen sacks!(It may look inelegant but hey.. IT WORKS!.ya know!!)
But let’s keep it real mamas...baby store won’t have bags big enough. There’s always leftover frozen veggies hiding deep inside freezer.(Never say never!)
Another solution is investing in cooling gel pads available exclusively designed for nursing moms presenting quick recovery from breastfeeding trauma/tenderness making this journey more soothing.
Avoiding Exercise or Over-Exertion
Breast soreness and exercises do NOT gel well (believe us on this!).Mamas are strongly advised avoiding hard work injuries with heavy lifting,weight-bearing exercise/wearing high impact sports bras & jumping could irritate tatas !!
While we know that regular physical activity is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, it’s always better to opt for low-impact exercises such as gentle yoga stretches /prenatal Pilates workouts(without compromises!)
Let's talk..
So mamas let's start a conversation!(You're rocking motherhood!) How did you soothe the breast tenderness in your pregnancies?
We hope these tips will help ease that pesky pain . But remember: Every woman is different! Different techniques - whether they be natural remedies or medical intervention - work differently for every woman. Don't hesitate speaking with your gynaecologist about what would best suited specifically towards your unique situation.