Breast and Nipple Care during Pregnancy

Common Breast Changes during Pregnancy

Pregnancy tends to change the appearance and feel of your breasts in a number of ways, many of which can even cause discomfort. Here are some common breast changes you may notice during pregnancy.

1. Growth and Tenderness

Your breasts can grow as much as 1.5 sizes bigger during pregnancy and feel tender, sore, and more sensitive than usual.

2. Darkening of Nipples and Areolas

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the nipples and areolas, which is the skin around your nipples, to become dark.

3. Colostrum Leakage

You may experience leakage of colostrum, which is a thick, yellowish substance, from the breasts.

4. Darkening of Veins

The veins along your breasts may darken and become prominent due to increased blood supply to the breasts.

5. Enlargement of Nipples

The nipples and areolas will become larger and stick out more during pregnancy.

Tips for Breast and Nipple Care in Pregnancy

Most women tend to ignore breast care during pregnancy, which can make it tough to de Here are a few tips for proper breast care during pregnancy that you can incorporate into your everyday regimen.

1. Get the Right Bra

Since your breasts continue to increase in size starting from the first trimester, you may have to change your bra size a few times. Always remember to wear the right sized bra to avoid suffocation and discomfort. Avoid tight bras and bras with underwire. Instead, opt for softly padded cotton bras. Underwired bras tend to hamper milk production by blocking the milk ducts. You can also look for bras that offer you the right back support, which is essential for your growing breasts.

2. Massage

Your nipples may get dry, and crack during pregnancy. Hence, it is important to retain moisture around the nipple area. You can do this by using olive oil or coconut oil and gently massaging the nipples before bath. Massaging the breasts with coconut oil can also aid in blood circulation, lift them up, keep them firm, and prevent sagging of the breasts that is common during pregnancy.

3. Maintain Hygiene

Nipples tend to leak colostrum, a yellow milk substance, especially during the last trimester. This can happen often and it is important that you change your bra to avoid the nipples being too wet, as this may lead to cracks and infections. You can also use breast pads to keep your nipples dry. Also, remember to wash your nipples regularly to prevent the liquid from forming a crust around it.

4. No Soap on the Nipple

Always ensure to not use any soap on the nipple during your daily baths. Soap tends to dry out the nipples and it can lead to cracking of the nipple area.

5. Moisturizing Creams

After you step out of the shower, it is a good idea to apply some moisturizing cream on the nipples if they feel too dry.

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Did you know that M.P Shah Hospital has a Breast Clinic?

Clinic Schedule:

Main Hospital Doctors Plaza (Waridi Centre)

Monday and Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm

Village Medical Centre

Thursday and Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

To book an appointment call: 0204291327/500/100

Or email : breastclinic@mpshahhosp.org