One of the first symptoms of pregnancy is painful and tender breasts. It’s similar to what happens before you have your period, but in this case, the pain or discomfort may be more intense.  

Breast tenderness

In the first months of pregnancy there is a greater volume of blood in your body. This could cause tenderness and inflammation in breast tissue and that’s why you may feel they are somewhat painful.  If you brush against something you may feel pain that you never felt before. In fact, this feeling of tenderness and pain in your breasts is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy.  

There is not a lot you can do to alleviate this discomfort: it is a symptom of pregnancy. If you feel very uncomfortable, try taking a relaxing bath and wear a comfortable and adjustable bra to exercise or even to sleep, if you feel too uncomfortable at night.

Other breast changes

Besides inflammation, you may have noticed your breasts are itchy. This is because the skin in your breasts is stretching. You may also occasionally get stretch marks on your breasts as well as your belly. You have probably noticed that your nipples are bigger and darker. All these changes are normal.

As your pregnancy advances, you may be surprised to see your breasts secrete some milk or a yellowish substance. This is called colostrum, which will be your baby’s first food when she is born. Your breasts are “training” to produce milk and preparing for the milk to reach the nipple.  

Generally, these secretions are occasional, but if they happen frequently, you may use lactation or nursing discs that are widely available in stores. These absorbent discs are placed over the nipple and prevent milk from staining your clothes.  

Your bra during pregnancy

The inflammation in your breasts will cause them to increase in size. If your current bra is too tight, this will make you feel even more uncomfortable, especially if it is an under wire bra.

Go shopping for a new bra that is at least two sizes bigger than your usual size and that has several clasps in the back so it can grow with you. In the fitting room, make sure it doesn’t dig into your skin and that it doesn’t bother you under your breasts, right at the top of your abdomen. That part will gradually grow as the weeks go by, and it can be extremely uncomfortable if your bra puts pressure on that area. It should be made of cotton or natural fiber so you don’t experience skin irritations.

Nursing bra

Nursing bras enable you to open the cup to expose your breast, without having to undo the whole bra. They are very convenient for nursing without having to bare your midriff every time and they are especially convenient for nursing in public places.

Nursing bras, besides being practical, provide support for your breasts that will come in handy after delivery, because the surge of milk will make your breasts even larger. Some even have several closures for the bra cup, so that you can adapt them to the initial surge of milk and the subsequent nursing stage.