Breast and nipple sensitivity, swelling, and discomfort can also occur during your menstrual cycle but these symptoms are likely to be more intense in early pregnancy than they would be during your period. If you’ve been trying to conceive and looking forward to a positive home pregnancy test, embrace the ache. In all likelihood, it means that you’re expecting! Learn more about how to deal with sore breasts during pregnancy.
Causes
Breasts can become sore in early pregnancy for several reasons, but one of the primary causes is changing hormone levels (such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin). Starting at the very beginning and continuing throughout pregnancy, your body is preparing to breastfeed. There are many changes taking place in a short amount of time: blood flow to the breasts increases, fresh layers of fat begin to build, and the milk ducts start to expand, resulting in larger and more tender boobs. The hormonal changes that are taking place, as well as the stretching of your milk ducts as they fill with milk, will make your nipples bigger and more prominent. These changes will help your baby see the nipples more easily when it’s time to latch on (if you choose to breastfeed).
Tips to Reduce Discomfort
Sore breasts are such a universal problem among pregnant people that there is no shortage of advice on treating them. If these methods don’t give your sore boobs relief, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Try a New Bra
A filmy, flimsy underwire bra may not cut it as your breasts grow throughout your pregnancy. Any bra that you wear should offer good support, but here are specific features to look for in a bra for pregnancy.
Back closures rather than front closures (which will give you the ability to adjust as necessary)Deep band beneath the cupsWide shoulder straps
Pay attention to how your bra fits as your boobs change as your pregnancy progresses. You may need to go up a size (or two) as your breasts grow.
Wear a Sports Bra
Consider swapping your normal bra for a sports bra, which is designed to hold the breasts close to your chest wall and minimize movement. Anything you can do to keep your boobs from bouncing or jiggling has the potential to bring relief if these motions exacerbate their soreness. You might feel some discomfort when you first put on a sports bra because your breasts and nipples are sensitive. Once you get used to the fit, a sports bra can offer a great deal of support for heavy, aching breasts.
Sleep in a Bra
Wearing a bra to bed provides extra support for your sore boobs, minimizes movement, and will protect your tender nipples from scraping against your nightclothes or bedsheets. There are bras made especially for sleeping in, but you can also just wear a sports bra or your regular bra.
Reduce Skin Contact
You might instinctually do everything you can to avoid allowing anything to touch your breasts. For example, if your seatbelt is uncomfortable, adjust the strap that zigzags across your torso so that it runs between your breasts and not across the top of one of them. The same goes for your purse: If you typically carry a crossbody bag, consider switching to a backpack. This will also help keep the weight of your torso evenly distributed as your belly bump begins to emerge.
Turn Down the Shower
Your nipples might be so sensitive that you can hardly stand to dab them dry with a towel after you take a shower. While a cool or warm shower might help reduce your discomfort (as can compresses) be mindful of water pressure. Even the sensation of the spray of water from the shower can be painful for sensitive breasts. If your shower head has one, switch to a “gentle” setting. If not, at least direct the water flow so that it doesn’t hit your chest directly when you’re facing it. You can also drape a washcloth over your breasts and hold it in place with one hand while you rinse off the front of your body.
Try Breast Pads
If the inside of your bra bothers you, try lining each cup with a breast pad to shield your nipples. They’re typically sold to protect clothing from leaking when a person is nursing and can be made from washable, reusable cotton, or disposable paper.
A Word From Verywell
For many people who are pregnant, sore breasts are just par for the course. With a little planning, there are strategies you can use to prevent and reduce discomfort. A well-fitting bra and breast pads can get you a long way! If your breasts haven’t been bothering you, don’t worry. Pregnancy symptoms are different for everyone and not having one or another doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. If you are having any symptoms (or lack thereof) that concern you, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider. If there’s nothing to worry about, their reassurance will give you peace of mind. If something does need to be addressed, identifying it early gives you time to make informed medical decisions.
