Breast pain in pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and breast tissue expansion. Tenderness, swelling, and sensitivity may occur.
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Most women experience some form of breast pain at one time or another, especially during their pregnancy. Breast pain is easy to treat, but it needs more attention if you are an expecting mother.
Breast pain during pregnancy can be diagnosed easily by consulting healthcare professionals and seeking active medical assistance from them. Let’s learn more about the causes of this condition and the ways to manage it in this healthy pregnancy guide.
Pregnant women go through breast tenderness and pain, especially from conception until their delivery. There are several causes of breast pain during pregnancy, and the primary one is hormonal change. A spike in your estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to breast soreness. A surge in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause breast soreness. After conception, your body enters a state of overdrive for birth preparation and lactation which further intensifies the discomfort.
Chest pain also occurs due to increased blood flow to your chest during pregnancy. Your milk ducts also begin to grow, and your breasts develop extra tissue, fat, and fluids during this time. This could mean going up a cup size or a few, with your nipples becoming larger and changing in color. It further leads to breast pain and numbness in expecting mothers.
Please note that all these changes are completely normal and are part of your body's natural preparation for breastfeeding.
Sore breasts and nipples are common in pregnancy, so you can consider the following remedies to manage the pain to a great extent:
Sleep in Your Bra: If movement is irritating for your tender breasts and nipples, consider wearing a sleep or sports bra when you go to bed for more relief.
Consider Cold Therapy: Apply a frozen gel or ice pack to your breasts to help relieve swelling and pain. It helps temporarily reduce blood flow and dial down nerve activity in the area.
Take a Soothing Bath or Shower: Use a washcloth to block water splashes from hitting sore nipples or adjust the showerhead to a “gentle” setting. Wash your nipples gently with warm water and avoid harsh soaps that could dry your skin or irritate the area.
Use Breast Pads: If your nipples have begun to leak or the lining of your bra is bugging you, try using breast pads. These pads are made from disposable paper or washable cotton to create a buffer between your breasts and bra.
Consider Over-the-counter Options: If the above solutions aren’t working, consider asking your healthcare professional about taking an OTC pain reliever or medication for expectant mothers.
Managing breast pain during pregnancy is just one aspect to consider when expecting a child. It's also essential to explore various ways to safeguard your child's future health. This includes considering stem cell preservation by retrieving them from umbilical cord blood, allowing healthcare professionals to offer potential treatments for various medical conditions in the future.
You can consult our experts at Cryoviva to learn more about the process and its benefits. We are among the top platforms in India to assist you with the cord blood stem cell preservation techniques.
