While you are carrying a baby, tremendous changes are taking place in your body. The chest is no exception. It not only grows in size, but also changes all the time. What is happening to her, what to expect and what to prepare for, healthy-food-near-me.com has collected all the information in one collection.
MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine, author of The Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health
“From the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s body begins to produce a huge amount of hormones. Including in the mammary glands to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding. You can observe in yourself all the changes known and described by obstetricians-gynecologists, or only a part of them, but one thing is certain: your breasts will never be the same as long as you carry a baby in you. “
1. It gets bigger. During pregnancy, not only the belly grows. From the very beginning, the amount of adipose tissue and blood flow to the breast increase, due to this, the mammary glands also increase. In just the first six weeks of pregnancy, many women grow one breast size.
2. She’s getting heavy. “Due to increased blood flow and expansion of the glandular tissue, the breasts begin to swell. The whole body, including the breast, begins to retain fluid – this is a side effect of the increase in the body’s hormones progesterone and estrogen, ”explains Dr. Minkin. As a result, by the ninth month of pregnancy, each breast gains an average of 400 grams in weight.
3. It hurts. The disadvantage of a pregnancy-induced “restart” of all systems is that the breasts become more tender. Therefore, an increase in blood flow, tissue swelling, fluid retention in the body – all this can manifest itself as painful sensations. In fact, such pain in the mammary glands is one of the very first signs of pregnancy.
4. Streaks appear. And the blue branches of the veins become more noticeable with the course of pregnancy. “This is because veins, like all systems in the body, adjust to increase blood flow,” explains Dr. Minkin.
5. The nipples are enlarged, become more pronounced and stick out more often than it usually happened before pregnancy. The areola becomes larger and darker. Everything is fine, “this is a consequence of high estrogen levels,” the doctor reassures. Montgomery’s glands (small bumps scattered around the areola) also enlarge and secrete an oily substance that protects the nipples and areola from cracking or drying out during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
6. The chest is flowing. This happens in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when the expectant mother suddenly discovers a yellowish discharge from the nipple. This colostrum is the very first milk of a woman, which appears in the second half of pregnancy or in the very first days after childbirth. Colostrum does not have to flow abundantly, it can also be found in the form of a crust on the papilla, in which case, of course, the woman will not feel any discomfort from dampness in the breast area. This is a natural process. Just use the special breast pads.
7. Stretch marks appear on them.… The increase in volume makes the skin stretch. And if it is not elastic enough, stretch marks may appear. That the skin is stretching can be understood by the itching. To soothe itching and keep your breast skin supple, doctors recommend using a moisturizer after showering and before bed.
8. The chest is full, heavy and now more than ever need support. Even if you’ve never worn a bra, now the best investment is in a supportive bra… Correctly selected, it will make life easier and support your back. Choose bras with a wide stripe under the cups (which should never be underwired now), wide straps and adjustable access to the nipple. Choosing between cotton and synthetic, prefer cotton: the skin breathes in it. And for a restful night’s sleep, wear a cotton sports bra or a special maternity bust.
9. Chest changed forever… After you wean your baby from breastfeeding, your nipples will gradually regain their previous color, and your breasts will return to pre-pregnant sizes. But due to the fact that the skin has been stretched, the resulting stretch marks will not go anywhere. And sometimes there is also asymmetry, and sagging, and the volume disappears somewhere. But it is precisely our breasts that are the true sign of motherhood.