While you are carrying a child, your body undergoes tremendous changes. 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, Woman`s Day has collected all the information in one collection.
As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, her body expects a lot of new things. Noticeable changes occur with the chest.
Gynecology
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 all the changes known and described by obstetrician-gynecologists, or only a part of them, but one thing is certain: your breasts will never be the same while you are carrying a child in you.
1. They get bigger.“During pregnancy, not only the stomach grows. From the very beginning, the amount of adipose tissue and blood flow to the breast increases, due to this, the mammary glands also increase. In just the first six weeks of pregnancy, many women's breasts grow one size."
Photo by @xenia_sobchak
2. They get heavier. Due to increased blood flow and expansion of the glandular tissue, the breast begins to swell. The entire body, including the chest, begins to retain fluid - this is a side effect of an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the body, explains Dr. Minkin. As a result, by the ninth month of pregnancy, each breast gains an average of 400 g in weight.
3. They hurt. The disadvantage of "restarting" the work of all systems caused by pregnancy is that the breasts become more tender. Therefore, an increase in blood flow, tissue swelling, fluid retention in the body - all this can be manifested by painful sensations. In fact, such pain in the mammary glands is one of the very first signs of pregnancy.
4. They become wiry. And the blue branches of the veins become more and more noticeable with the course of pregnancy. “This is because veins, like all body systems, adapt to increased blood flow,” explains Dr. Minkin.
5. nipples get bigger, become more pronounced and stick out more often than it usually happened before pregnancy. Areolas become larger and darker. Everything is fine, "this is a consequence of the high level of estrogen," the doctor reassures. Montgomery's glands (small bumps "scattered" over the areola) also enlarge and secrete an oily substance that protects the nipples and areolas from cracking or drying out during pregnancy and lactation.
Photo by GettyImages
6. They flow. This happens in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, when the expectant mother suddenly discovers 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. It is not necessary that colostrum 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 special breast pads.
7. Stretch marks appear on them.. The increase in volume causes the skin to stretch. And if it is not elastic enough, stretch marks may appear. That the skin stretches can be understood by itching. To soothe itching and keep breast skin supple, doctors recommend using a moisturizer after showering and before bed.
8. Your tender breasts have become full, heavy and now more than ever need support. Your best investment right now is in a supportive bra.. Properly selected, it will make life easier and support your back. Choose bras with a wide band under the cups (which now should never be underwired), with wide straps and with the ability to adjust access to the nipple. When choosing between cotton and synthetic, opt for cotton because it allows the skin to breathe. And for a restful sleep at night, wear a cotton sports bra or a special maternity bust.
9. They changed forever. After you wean your baby from the breast, your nipples will gradually regain their previous color, and your breasts will return to pre-pregnancy sizes. But due to the fact that the skin is stretched, the stretch marks that appear will not go anywhere. However, instead of yearning for firmer and perky breasts, embrace your new ones - they are a true sign of motherhood.
One of the first signs of an interesting situation is the swelling of the mammary glands. Women note a slight feeling of tingling and numbness, increased sensitivity of the nipples, which indicates the gradual preparation of the organ for lactation. But often expectant mothers complain about hard breasts during pregnancy, which can ache and cause discomfort. It is important to understand what processes can cause its compaction and how to prevent their occurrence.
Why do breasts harden in pregnant women?
The most common reason for the restructuring of the mammary glands is the preparation of the breast for lactation, which begins to occur from the very first weeks of gestation. This process is completely individual, so there is no specific time frame for the onset of a symptom. As a rule, it is accompanied by other clinical signs:
Sometimes hard breasts during pregnancy indicate pathologies: either a missed pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage, impaired intrauterine development of the fetus, cystic drift, etc. In these cases, there is an imbalance of sex hormones in the body, which affects the structure and shape of the mammary glands.
As pregnancy develops, the hormone progesterone and prolactin are involved in strengthening the mammary gland, contribute to the growth of its tissues and venous plexus. If an excess of these hormones is noted in a woman's body, then adipose tissue can unevenly compact and harden.
Closer to childbirth, a woman may notice a significant accumulation and stagnation of colostrum, which causes coarsening and swelling of the area. During pregnancy, inflammation may occur in the mammary glands, which leads to. In rare cases, even an operation is necessary to pump out the exudate from the area. Also at future mother mastopathy associated with hormonal changes may occur. In this case, a pregnant woman needs treatment only if additional symptoms are attached.
It is important to gently palpate the mammary gland, perform self-massage, which is the best diagnosis of neoplasms in the area. It happens that the expectant mother is worried about cysts, fat globules, and in rare cases, malignant processes. Such diseases are hereditary, so the expectant mother knows all her life that she is at risk.
Prevention
Therapy of hard breasts during pregnancy is closely related to the determination of the hormonal profile of the expectant mother, the presence of diseases of the reproductive system.
In parallel, treatment of endocrine diseases and pathologies of the mammary gland can be carried out, which will remove all unwanted symptoms, tissue density and soreness. Further, the expectant mother must adhere to the following recommendations of doctors:
If the breast hardens during pregnancy, then you should not worry, because the body is actively preparing to feed the baby. Of course, it is important to pay attention to accompanying symptoms, such as increased soreness, the presence of subcutaneous formations and strange discharge from the nipples. Discomfort is an indication for contacting a mammologist, because the quality of feeding will depend on the condition and health of the mammary glands.
Carrying a child, a woman's body undergoes strong transformations. Many of them occur inside and are absolutely invisible, and many are quite tangible and visible, not only by the woman herself, but also by those around her.
In addition to the genitourinary and hormonal systems, which are the first to respond to the conception that has occurred, mammary glands, as part of the reproductive system, also experience large-scale changes that occur in the female body.
What changes in the breast to expect when carrying a child? What is their reason? Which changes are normal and which are not? Do breasts hurt during pregnancy and for how long? This and much more will be discussed below.
From the moment of conception, the entire body of the expectant mother is tuned to the bearing and birth of a child. And the mammary glands, as the main organ of feeding the baby, undergo significant transformations under the influence of hormones. Most often, women face the following changes:
breast augmentation
Already from the very moment of conception, under the influence of the main hormones progesterone and estrogen, the mammary glands increase in size. It is even considered one of the main "signs of early pregnancy". The most noticeable stages of growth are the first 10 weeks of pregnancy., as well as the period before childbirth. At this time, the amount of adipose connective tissue increases, blood flow is activated, and milk ducts grow.
While waiting for the baby, the breast increases, on average, by 1.5-2 sizes. The mammary glands swell, fill, become heavier, under the influence of hormones, they retain large quantity fluid, and this is one of the reasons why the chest hurts during pregnancy. For this period, it is recommended to stock up on comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics, pitted, with the most comfortable bust support.
Sensitivity and pain
Hypersensitivity, reacting to the slightest touch with rather sharp sensations, is also one of the first signs of conception. Often in the first months the bust hurts, reacts brightly to any irritating factor, tingling and numbness can be observed, it happens that the chest itches during pregnancy - this indicates that the organ is preparing for the process of feeding the child. If the nipples become very sensitive, doctors recommend that you do not remove your underwear even during sleep.
Areola darkening
The nipples are also changing. They become much darker, as is the color of the areolas. Their size also changes: the nipples grow up to 12 mm, and the areola circumference - up to 50 mm. Thus, the breast is prepared for feeding the baby, and dark color serves as a clear signal to the baby and makes it easier to find its source of nutrition from the first minutes of life.
Often small pimples, pimples can appear on the areola of the nipple. During the period of bearing a child, it is recommended to pour the bust daily with water at room temperature, without the use of soap, and starting from the second trimester, hardening, air baths, and contrast douches should be carried out.
Did you know? There are so-called Montgomery glands on the nipples. It is believed that when they feed, they emit an odor of amniotic fluid, which is felt only by infants, which helps them find a source of food.
Discharge from the nipples
You can often observe discharge from the nipples, especially on later dates, before childbirth. This colostrum is the first food for the baby, which comes even before the baby is born. It has a viscous consistency and a yellowish tint. If the discharge is inconvenient in everyday life, recommend the use of special chest sanitary napkin from a pharmacy.
Did you know? Each nipple includes 15-20 ducts, from which milk can be secreted during lactation.
Venous mesh on the chest
Due to increased blood circulation in the chest and rapid growth, protruding wreaths can be seen on the mammary glands. This phenomenon is especially characteristic of thin women. The skin in this area is quite thin, because the veins can show through and stand out with a venous network.
You should not worry about this, because after childbirth and breastfeeding it will disappear by itself. Doctors recommend adding neutral oils (coconut, wheat germ, etc.) to daily care, which will also be an excellent measure to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy.
Important! Even at the stage it is very important to visit a mammologist and undergo the necessary examination. This will eliminate the risk possible complications with neoplasms, as well as the doctor will be able to give comprehensive information about all possible changes in the breast and recommendations for the care of the mammary glands throughout the entire period of bearing a child and lactation.
Reasons for change
All changes in the body of the expectant mother occur under the influence of sex hormones, and the breast in this case is no exception.
Prolactin - the main hormone responsible for milk production, stimulates lactation. , the main pregnancy hormone that affects the entire body, in the bust area causes the growth of the glandular breast component responsible for the milk ducts and the growth of the alveoli. Thyroid hormones promote the production of prolactin.
And oxytocin regulates the flow of milk into the breast ducts. The action of these and other hormones provokes all the changes in the mammary glands necessary for successful lactation.
What symptoms should alert
When observing physical changes during the bearing of a child, one should remember that the body of each woman is individual, and rely on your feelings and the advice of your doctor.
But there are a number of symptoms that should not be ignored:
- the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen, especially accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina;
- a sharp increase in temperature and a general weak condition;
- asymmetrical changes in the mammary glands, the presence of pronounced depressions or bulges, hot spots.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may indicate a threatened miscarriage, as well as inflammation in the mammary glands.
Many women begin to worry when their breasts stop hurting during pregnancy, grow, harden, and sensitivity drops. In the absence of other dangerous symptoms, this does not always indicate problems, but it is necessary to consult with your doctor. This symptom is especially dangerous in the early stages, up to the 8th week - the period of the most intensive growth of the mammary glands.
When does the change start and how long does it last?
Expectant mothers are often concerned about the question - how long does the chest hurt during pregnancy? The duration and intensity of breast transformations is very individual and depends on the personal characteristics of the body of each woman. For some, all the changes pass in a short period, and until the approach of childbirth, the bust ceases to bother them. Others, for many months, feel swelling, sensitivity, itching and other sensations in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands. In all cases, the changes are absolutely within the normal range.
For the most part, all the necessary breast preparation takes place during the first trimester of pregnancy. And already after the 10-14th week, all symptoms subside, and the bust fully adapts to hormonal changes.
It is very important to listen to your body and, if you have any doubts, contact your doctor, as there is a lot of information now, and the concept of the norm is very vague. Trusting unverified sources of information can only bring additional worries and experiences, which is definitely not good for the expectant mother.
If there are no changes
In the case when the fact of conception is confirmed, and the woman does not feel any special changes in the bust, this does not necessarily indicate the presence of pathologies. First of all, the sensitivity of each female body is individual, and all the changes that occur in the mammary glands can go unnoticed.
For example, a woman will not have breast pain during pregnancy if there is initially enough space for glandular tissue to grow. In addition, in some, intensive growth of the mammary glands is noted only before childbirth. Susceptibility to physical changes in the body is different for all women, as well as attentiveness to their own body.
It is not uncommon for a woman to miss not only changes in the bust area, but also other first signs of fertilization.
Video about preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy
What changes occur in the mammary glands during childbearing, how to care for them during this period, how to prepare for lactation and much more you will learn from a qualified specialist, family and perinatal psychologist, breastfeeding consultant Olga Luchko in this video:
Pregnancy brings significant life changes. modern woman, because now her health affects the baby. And even after birth, the child remains completely dependent on the mother for a long time, as a source of nutrition, protection and well-being.
And it is very important to provide to the maximum all infant needs at an early stage, because this is the key to good health and successful development for many years. Therefore, accept all the changes in the body that pregnancy brought, because it was the path to happy motherhood!
And what changes did you have with your breasts while carrying a child? What were the sensations and when did they appear? Share your stories in the comments.
With the onset of conception, changes in the mammary glands occur in the female body, which are difficult to miss. Under the influence of hormones, the breasts in early pregnancy increase and become more sensitive.
These changes are sometimes attributed to premenstrual syndrome, since they appear even before the pregnancy is diagnosed. But at this stage, a new life is already developing. It is important to understand how breasts change during pregnancy and what to be wary of.
The growth of the mammary glands is noted in all women preparing for motherhood. From the first weeks, they notice that the mammary glands become more voluminous. This is due to the growth of the glandular tissue of the breast and milk ducts - their growth is stimulated by the hormones estrogen and.
Despite the intensive growth of the breast while waiting for the baby, after childbirth, these changes may come to naught - for many women, it may take on its original appearance. There is no need to worry if the breast does not change at the beginning of pregnancy - sometimes the process of its increase starts a little later, closer to the sixth month.
Sensitivity and pain
Against the background of hormonal changes, expectant mothers note the appearance of soreness in the chest. In this case, the nipples become sensitive, and the glands become more tense and dense. This indicates that the body is actively preparing for.
It is because of the increased sensitivity of the breast that many women begin to suspect pregnancy yet. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether the chest hurts in the early stages of a normal pregnancy will be positive.
This pain will be more pronounced than before menstruation, since there are much more hormones in the body.
Areola darkening
Areolas are dark patches of skin around the nipples. With the onset of pregnancy, they darken and increase, characteristic pimples appear on their surface. The size of the areolas can increase from 3-5 to 4-7 cm.
After the birth of the baby, these changes will disappear, the color and size of the areolas will become the same.
Discharge from the nipples
Many women mistakenly believe that breast discharge, namely colostrum, begins to be produced just before childbirth or only after the baby is born. Actually it is not. Of course, everything is individual. But discharge from the chest can appear even in the early stages of pregnancy, closer to the 12th week. And this is a completely natural phenomenon.
You should not worry about the discharge from the chest, you need to pay more attention to the care of the mammary glands. In order not to stain the linen and outerwear secreted colostrum, you can use special pads for bras.
Venous mesh on the chest
As the mammary glands of a pregnant woman increase in size, blood flow to their tissues also increases. That is why a network of veins appears under the skin, resembling a cobweb.
This is a completely normal phenomenon that occurs in all women expecting a baby. After childbirth and the end of breastfeeding, there will be no trace of the venous network.
Reasons for change
Changes in the breast occur under the influence of hormones. After conception, estrogen and progesterone are intensively synthesized in the female body. Intensive development also begins, which causes the production of the hormone prolactin.
Under their influence, a woman's breasts begin to actively prepare for lactation. It increases due to the growth of glandular and connective tissue, its blood supply improves. All this leads to increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.
How long do unusual sensations last?
Discomfort and pain in the chest usually decrease by the second trimester of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the hormonal background is stabilizing by this time.
But this does not mean that the mammary glands have ceased to prepare for breastfeeding. Their growth and development continues throughout pregnancy, but is no longer so noticeable for a woman.
If there are no changes?
If pregnancy occurs, hormonal changes do not bypass any woman. But if in the early stages of pregnancy the breast does not hurt, it is not necessarily a pathology.
This may be due to the lesser susceptibility of a woman's mammary glands to hormonal changes - this is an individual phenomenon that is the norm. In some women, intensive breast growth is observed only in the second half of pregnancy.
In addition, not all women are attentive to their body and think about how the chest hurts in the early stages of pregnancy. Due to their own inattention, they miss the first signs of pregnancy.
What symptoms should alert?
Sometimes women worry about the fact that the breasts do not enlarge and remain soft to the touch. This is not always a reason for panic, but a woman is advised to listen to her feelings and possible symptoms of trouble.
So, the cause for concern may be:
- from the genital tract of any intensity;
- sudden increase in body temperature for no apparent reason;
- asymmetric breast growth, the presence of bulges and depressions;
- general weakness.
If you have any of the symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, attention is required when the breast stopped hurting in the early stages of pregnancy or returned to its original volume.
If the tension and sensitivity of the mammary glands are completely absent, we can talk about conditions such as or.
How to care for breasts in early pregnancy
Increase, change appearance breasts and discharge from it during pregnancy is a temporary phenomenon.
After the end of lactation, the mammary glands most often return to their previous volume, but at the same time, stretch marks and sagging skin often appear on them. To preserve the beauty of the breast, it is necessary to take care of it from the first weeks of pregnancy.
In the process of washing does not need to be treated detergent areola and nipples. The fact is that soap destroys the protective layer of the skin, drying them out. On the delicate skin of the areola, this can cause cracking and irritation.
To prevent stretch marks, you can use oils or other cosmetics. You need to carefully approach the choice of a bra - in it a woman should feel as comfortable as possible.
The onset of pregnancy is marked by a colossal hormonal restructuring in the entire female body. Changes caused by hormones are reflected in all organs and systems, of course, the reproductive system and, in particular, the breast or mammary glands, are of particular importance.
From the very early dates pregnancy in the body of a woman begins to increase the level of chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone.
Chorionic gonadotropin, being a unique hormone that is produced only during pregnancy, rebuilds the entire hormonal system of the female body, affects the pituitary gland (regulatory center and hormone production center in the brain). HCG maintains pregnancy until the placenta begins to function and progesterone levels begin to rise. Under the influence of these hormones (as well as, to a lesser extent, estrogens, placental lactogen, adrenal hormones) all changes occur in the mammary glands.
Breasts in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
Sometimes the most early signs Pregnancy are breast changes, it swells, becomes more sensitive, elastic and even moderately painful, especially in the nipples.
Most often, pain decreases or disappears by the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, but this process is individual.
However, changes in the mammary glands are not always a sign of pregnancy. In some women, in this way, the breast reacts to the approach of menstruation, since in the second half of the cycle the level of progesterone also rises, fluid is retained in the body (often before menstruation, women notice a weight gain of 1-2 kg).
By the middle of the first trimester, a change in the color of the areola is already noticeable, they become darker or, a little less often, brighter.
From the end of the first trimester, there may be an intermittent discharge of a light, clear, yellowish fluid from the nipples. The release of fluid should not be accompanied by pain, there is no admixture of blood or purulent discharge, the discharge is uniform from both nipples.
The breast gradually increases in size throughout pregnancy, this is normal and should not bother a woman. The increase in the mammary glands occurs evenly, symmetrically and gradually. If you had asymmetry of the mammary glands before pregnancy, then it may persist. But breast augmentation caused by pregnancy should not cause asymmetry in the size of the mammary glands.
breasts in 2nd trimester
From the end of the first trimester - the beginning of the second, a noticeable venous network may appear on the chest. The breast continues to increase in size, its blood supply is plentiful, active work in preparation for lactation.
Sometimes slight or moderate pain, a feeling of fullness, swelling of the breast accompanies a woman throughout her pregnancy. The assessment of subjective sensations depends more on the individual pain threshold. Painful sensations can radiate (conduct) to the armpit area, to the arm and intensify when bending over, moving with arms raised or turning the body.
3rd trimester of pregnancy
During the third trimester, the breasts continue to grow.
If the pain in the mammary glands disappeared at the end of the first trimester, then approximately from the beginning of the third trimester, they can resume. The reason is the increase in the level of estrogen and prolactin.
During pregnancy, as a rule, you have to change several bra sizes, as it is necessary to match the changes in the mammary glands. On the one hand, you need soft underwear that does not squeeze the chest, does not deform it (this can lead to lactation disorders, congestive and inflammatory processes) and comfortable to wear. On the other hand, breast support should be sufficiently elastic and reliable to prevent sagging and the appearance of stretch marks.
In the third trimester, most pregnant women begin direct breast preparation for lactation, colostrum is released from the nipples, itching, sometimes burning in the nipples.
The formation of the Montgomery glands (rudimentary mammary glands) begins - small tubercles appear near the nipple (up to several millimeters in diameter), the number of which can vary from single to several dozen on each mammary gland. Their function, presumably, is to secrete a special secret that attracts the baby with its smell and helps him find the nipple at the first feeding.
Chest pain during pregnancy
We will determine that moderate pain, a feeling of fullness, swelling in the chest is a normal phenomenon, indicating the reaction of the mammary glands to the progression of pregnancy. Some women experience these feelings throughout their pregnancy.
Possible causes of pain:
Soreness at a certain point in the mammary gland, the appearance of a tubercle or induration in the chest, redness or local swelling, swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, above and below the collarbones are signs of various kinds of trouble. You can and should engage in primary self-diagnosis, this is a daily examination and palpation (palpation) of the mammary glands, for example, while taking a shower. But if you have any questions and / or complaints, then you should tell your obstetrician - gynecologist about them.
Leaving aside the physiological causes of chest pain, we now look at the truly troubling causes of chest pain.
1. Laktostasis.
Lactostasis is the stagnation of milk secretion in the ducts of the mammary glands. As a rule, this happens after childbirth, but in some women, an abundant separation of colostrum begins after 25 weeks and the problem of lactostasis can become relevant already during pregnancy. Clinically, lactostasis is manifested by swelling of the mammary gland (as a rule, the process is one-sided or more pronounced in one of the mammary glands), the breast becomes dense, tense and more painful. Temperature rise is usually not observed.
It is possible to resolve lactostasis only by decanting colostrum until the breast is soft. It is strictly forbidden to tighten the chest, warm the mammary glands or take any drugs on your own.
2. Mastitis.
Mastitis is a direct consequence of neglected lactostasis, or a consequence of mechanical impact (for example, if there was a blow to the chest or a fall with the whole body forward). Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, varying in degree (from infiltration to purulent fusion of tissues) and prevalence (from focal to total damage to the entire mammary gland in advanced cases). In addition to soreness, tension and an increase in one of the mammary glands, there is reddening of the skin of the chest (focal over the site of infiltration or widespread) and fever. Body temperature rises, as a rule, to febrile numbers (38 ° C or more). The mammary gland itself also becomes hot to the touch.
Treatment consists of antibiotic therapy (chosen by an obstetrician-gynecologist and / or surgeon according to tolerance and, in accordance with safety for the fetus), restoration of outflow and detoxification (with severe intoxication, intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions is indicated).
3. Cracked nipples.
Cracked nipples also occur more often after childbirth, but it happens that the problem overtakes earlier. Constant leakage of colostrum, irregular hygiene, initially prone to dry skin predispose to the formation of cracks in the nipples.
Treatment and prevention consists in careful hygiene, lubrication of the nipples with ointments containing dexpanthenol (panthenol - spray, D-panthenol ointment, bepanten, dexpanthenol-chemopharm and others) and protection from physical impact (friction and other damage), wearing soft seamless underwear.
4. Mastopathy.
2. Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. Ultrasound of the mammary glands during pregnancy reveals only volumetric formations, since during this period the breast is preparing for lactation and diffuse changes are expressed in it, making diagnosis difficult.
3. Study of hormones (true prolactin, macroprolactin and other hormones according to indications)
4. MRI of the brain. An MRI of the brain is done to look for an adenoma or microadenoma of the pituitary gland. A pituitary adenoma is a tumor (usually benign) that produces excessive amounts of prolactin.
5. Tumor markers. Tumor markers are specific protein molecules that are produced in response to the formation of a tumor in the body. Tumor markers are not an early diagnosis and during pregnancy the results may be unreliable, but you should be aware of this diagnostic method. Tumor markers CA 15 - 3, CA 27 - 29, CA - 125 are being studied.
How to get rid of chest pain?
If you and your doctor have made sure that chest pains are physiological and harmless, then you do not need to take any drastic measures. Simple home activities can help alleviate the condition. Let's talk about them in more detail:
1. Correct sleeping position
2. Regular shower
Regular water procedures, the alternation of warm and cool water (not cold) helps to normalize blood circulation and increase the elasticity of the breast skin. Contrast procedures are not performed during pregnancy, which occurs against the background of the threat of interruption.
3. Massage
Massage with a soft terry towel after a shower in a circular motion. Not rubbing the skin, but only lightly massaging. Massage of the nipples is also useful, it is carried out with a stretched towel with movements to the left - to the right.
4. Proper underwear
Also, herbal sedative preparations (valerian 1 tablet 3 times a day for a long time) will not be superfluous, which normalize sleep and help to slightly reduce pain sensitivity.
If the chest does not hurt?
As a rule, any new sensations in the chest are present. But it all depends on individual sensitivity. It also happens that a woman begins to suspect pregnancy precisely because of the absence of the usual pain in the breasts that appear before menstruation (a form of premenstrual syndrome). The absence of unpleasant symptoms, the feeling that the breast "behaves as usual" is also quite normal, if you also notice a gradual, symmetrical and uniform increase in the mammary glands during pregnancy.
How to prevent stretch marks on the chest?
Stretch marks (stretch marks) on the skin, including the skin of the chest, are formed due to the fact that hormonal changes occur ( high level progesterone), the skin does not have time to adapt to growth (in our case, the growth of the mammary glands) and there is a rupture of collagen fibers in the skin.
Weight gain during pregnancy also matters. Rational nutrition and dosed exercise stress help control weight.
There is evidence that in women who smoke, stretch marks form more easily and earlier, and then they regenerate worse. This is due to the fact that nicotine and tar destroy ascorbic acid, which is involved in the synthesis of collagen.
From the earliest dates, emollient creams and oils should be used after each shower and massage. If for some reason towel massage is not suitable for you, then self-massage the mammary glands in a circular motion from the outer outer quadrant clockwise using creams and oils.
Products of brands MamaComfort, Vichy, Avent, Sanosan, Chicco Mamma Donna, Clarins, Bioterm, Vitex FOR MOM, World of Childhood, Green Mama are used. When buying, look for the labels "hypoallergenic" and "tested for allergens."
How to prepare breasts for breastfeeding?
You can prepare your breast for breastfeeding by doing the following:
- Breast massage, as described above, will also be useful in terms of preparing the breast for lactation.
Nipple massage.
It used to be advised to rub the nipples with a coarse, hard cloth, but this is no longer recommended. Excessive activity leads to trauma to delicate skin and opens the gate for infection. So spend a gentle and short massage with a soft towel after a shower.
Check the shape of your nipples by pinching the nipple with your index finger and thumb. The convex nipple will stick out, and the inverted one will “hide”. If the shape of the nipple is retracted, then it will be difficult for the baby to grab it when feeding, so it is necessary to carry out a developing massage. Gently pull on the nipple with two fingers, twisting it slightly. At the same time, hands should be washed and nails filed short to avoid injury and infection.
However, there is a contraindication this method! Stimulation of the nipples leads to an increase in oxytocin levels and increases the tone of the uterus. Check with your obstetrician/gynecologist.
There are also special nipple correctors on sale, they can be used to prepare flat or inverted nipples for feeding. You can wear it from the third trimester, starting with 5 minutes a day and gradually increasing to half an hour.
- Rinses and lotions.
If the nipples are healthy, then there is no need to lubricate them daily with special products (dexpanthenol mentioned earlier), but herbal medicine can be used. Lotions of black tea, oak bark, chamomile or string will help strengthen the skin of the nipples. The cooled broth is moistened with cotton pads or napkins and applied to the nipples. This procedure can be carried out from the moment colostrum began to stand out or in the third trimester if there is no colostrum.
- Psychological preparation.
This is indeed a very important aspect. Communication with mothers who have successful breastfeeding experience, a positive attitude and a focus on successful feeding is half the battle. Do not forget that lactation is controlled hormonally, and all regulatory hormones are produced in the brain.
How to know if there will be milk?
It is always difficult to predict here. However, if you have enlarged breasts, you notice the appearance of drops of colostrum, the pregnancy proceeded relatively well, then most likely, lactation will improve and you will be able to breastfeed your baby.
Sometimes the next pregnancy comes so quickly that the woman is at a loss. Should you breastfeed your baby? Will it harm the developing pregnancy? Does the milk change?
Stop breast-feeding no need for pregnancy!
If the difference between pregnancies is small, then it would be ideal not to interrupt breastfeeding and continue to feed both babies at the same time. This is called "tandem feeding".
Pregnancy will not interfere with your breastfeeding, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Taking vitamins.
Your body now has not even a double, but a triple responsibility. You have not yet recovered from childbirth (we will talk about a full recovery only after 2 or more years), you are breastfeeding and supplying the necessary nutrients to a growing baby in utero. First of all, nutrients will be given to the growing fetus, and in order not to deprive the baby, you need to take combined vitamin and mineral complexes (elevit pronatal, vitrum prenatal, complivit trimester) from an early date.
- Rational and enriched nutrition.
Dairy products, whole grains, lean meats, fish, seasonal vegetables and fruits should be in the diet of a pregnant lactating woman. Eating five to six times a day in small portions.
During pregnancy increased nipple sensitivity, therefore, cracks form more easily, it is necessary to ensure that the child deeply grasps the nipple and does not bite it.
When should you stop breastfeeding?
Pronounced toxicosis.
With excessive nausea and vomiting of pregnant women, the water-salt balance is disturbed, and, accordingly, the composition of milk changes for the worse. You may even observe nausea or vomiting in a child. This is an indication to stop breastfeeding.
The threat of abortion.
The threat of abortion is manifested by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back, bloody discharge. Stimulation of the nipples activates the contractile activity of the uterus and thereby exacerbates the problem of uterine hypertonicity. If such a complication of pregnancy occurs, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
Complicated obstetric history.
If the previous pregnancy had such complications:
* your birth was premature
* you had a miscarriage
* you had bleeding during pregnancy, in the afterbirth and early postpartum period,
then breastfeeding should be stopped as soon as you know you are pregnant.
The breast during pregnancy is subject to a variety of influences, and it is in our power to prevent Negative consequences and help improve lactation. Always tell your doctor about your complaints and doubts. Look after yourself and be healthy!
Obstetrician-gynecologist Petrova A.V.