There can be several causes of breast pain during pregnancy. The most important reasons are hormonal changes and growth of breasts. Read this post to learn a few home remedies to alleviate pain in the breasts during pregnancy.
Breast pain during pregnancy is not unusual or uncommon. In fact, it is considered as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Pain in the breast is prominent in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your breasts feel sore, swollen, tender, and sensitive. It begins from the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy.
Most expectant women note that the breast pain disappears or reduces in the second and third trimester. However, some may experience its re-occurrence from time to time. There are many factors that lead to breast pain; the most prominent ones have been explained here.
Causes of Breast Pain During Pregnancy
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
The most common cause of pain in breast during pregnancy is fibrocystic breast changes. Such changes involve swelling of very tiny cysts filled with fluid, which are present in the fibrous tissue of the breast.
Hormonal Imbalance
As your body prepares to undergo various stages of pregnancy, the hormonal levels also change quite frequently. Imbalance in the level of estrogen often results in breast pain.
Leaky Breast
Many expectant mothers complain of breast leaking in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This happens because your breasts begin to produce a thick-fluid called colostrum.
Colostrum is the fluid that provides nourishment to the new-born in the first few days, before your breasts start producing milk. This a major cause of breast pain in the later stages of pregnancy. A very effective remedy to this problem is the use of a nursing pad.
Change in Breast Shape and Size
The main function of the breasts is to feed the baby after childbirth. Your body prepares the breasts gradually. There is a formation of milk-ducts and milk-producing cells during pregnancy. This causes your breasts to enlarge.
More layers of fat begin to grow beneath your breasts. This changes both the shape and size of your breasts. Your breasts keep growing by almost a cup-size in the first three months of maternity, which causes pain.
How to Alleviate Breast Pain
► Wear a bra that offers decent support. Not wearing a bra can worsen the pain during pregnancy.
► Try to wear a padded or a sports bra in case your breasts are too voluminous and heavy. They will be the most suitable for you.
► Cut short on the intake of salt. Salt can worsen the pain by enabling water retention.
► Drink plenty of water. This will help your body in flushing out excess fluids.
► Keep yourself physically active. Take a walk for about 20-25 minutes daily. You can perform a few light household chores.
► Ask your gynecologist for some painkillers and avoid self-medication.
► Either heating pads or ice packs can help provide comfort. Test both and choose the one that suits you the best.
► You can do yoga and meditation to relax your body.
Though breast pain during pregnancy, especially accompanied with leaky breasts, is uncomfortable, embarrassing and painful, it is absolutely natural and harmless. Still, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to rule out any possibility of complication associated with this symptom.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
