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Why the chest hurts a lot during early pregnancy
Literally from the first hours of pregnancy, changes begin in the female body. Often times, chest pain is one of the first signs of pregnancy. To understand if there is cause for concern, it is enough to understand why the chest hurts during pregnancy.
Why does the chest hurt during pregnancy?
Usually, chest pain and discomfort occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy and disappears by 10-12 weeks. However, sometimes unpleasant sensations accompany a woman almost until the very birth.
Why does the chest hurt during pregnancy?
Changes in the mammary glands during gestation and associated pain are usually the norm. This is how the body prepares for the crucial stage – feeding the baby.
Female hormones are the cause. Under the influence of human chorionic gonadotropin, or the hormone hCG, the mammary glands can enlarge, which is why women notice bursting or tingling pain. At the same time, the nipples and areolas may enlarge and darken, the venous mesh on the chest may appear.
Often, the discomfort is exacerbated by wearing a tight bra. The pregnant woman continues to wear her old underwear while her breasts may have increased by a couple of sizes.
How to reduce chest pain during pregnancy?
In most cases, the pain goes away when the body gets used to the change in hormonal levels, and this happens by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. However, there is no need to endure the pain all this time.
There are several effective ways that you can relieve the condition:
- When it became clear why the chest hurts in the early stages of pregnancy, you need to choose a comfortable bra of a suitable size made of natural fabrics with wide shoulder straps. Uncomfortable underwear made from synthetic fabrics, stiff bones or rough seams should be avoided.
- Sleep in a soft top or bra. If your breasts have become very sensitive and the slightest touch on them causes discomfort, you should try sleeping in a top or bra.
- Water procedures. Shower regularly with hypoallergenic soap or gel. This is not just a hygienic procedure, but also a light massage.
- Special pads for the chest. They can be bought if colostrum is secreted from the breast and the nipples become very sensitive.
In some cases, pain can be a symptom of a serious problem. If your chest hurts very badly, then you should be alert and consult a doctor.
If, in addition to acute pain in the chest, lumps are felt, reddening of the chest is observed, it may be lactostasis, that is, stagnation of milk in the ducts. With prolonged lactostasis, inflammation of the mammary gland may appear – mastitis.
If there is a suspicion of lactostasis or mastitis, you should contact a mammologist
Now you know why the chest hurts badly during pregnancy, most often this is a consequence of body restructuring, which does not require a visit to a doctor. After a while, the pain will go away on its own.