Breast Tenderness: The Earliest Sign of Pregnancy?

The type and onset of pregnancy symptoms varies from woman to woman, but there are many common symptoms of pregnancy. These can include morning sickness, headache, bloating, and of course missed period. However, even before all that, many women experience breast tenderness or pain. To learn more about the common early signs of pregnancy read Am I Pregnant? Early Signs of Pregnancy. This article addresses breast tenderness in pregnancy along with measures pregnant women can take to feel better.

For many women, breast tenderness occurs long before a missed period or any other sign of pregnancy. Breasts may feel a little tender to the touch and even some bras or supportive tank tops can cause discomfort. Because breast tenderness is also a sign of getting your period, a lot of times this early sign of pregnancy goes unnoticed.

All kinds of exercise may be painful, and depending on your breast size, as little motion as walking up stairs may be uncomfortable without a supportive bra. Some pregnant women are unable to sleep on their stomachs. If breasts are especially tender during sex, ask your partner not to touch them, especially the nipples. Breast tenderness is and annoying, and possibly painful, but normal part of pregnancy.

Your body is going through a lot of changes during pregnancy, and your breasts are getting ready to feed your baby. Breast growth and develop often leads to swelling and soreness. The tenderness may also be caused by an increase in hormone the levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, which causes blood to rush to your breasts. As milk ducts and milk-producing cells develop in the breasts, tissue will grow and change shape. You also start to get more layers of fat underneath the breast tissue that contributes to the increase in size.

Common Breast Changes During Pregnancy

All women will react differently, but here are some common changes you can expect in your breasts throughout pregnancy:

• Veins become visible
• Increase in size by up to two cup sizes
• Tingling, throbbing, or burning sensation
• Increased nipple sensitivity
• Itchiness
• Heaviness
• More sensation during intercourse

Taking Care of Tender Breasts

Here are a few ways to stay comfortable:

• Wear natural fiber (cotton) bras
• Have bras professionally fit
• Avoid underwire bras
• Get a good supportive bra for exercise
• Soak in a warm bath
• Consider sleeping in a bra

Apply a cool cloth to hot or throbbing breasts