Breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple). These are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissue. This tissue gives breasts their size and shape.
Breast changes during or after pregnancy
Read more about breast changes during and after pregnancy, including how to be breast aware.
In this section
1. Being breast aware in pregnancy
It’s important to be breast aware during and after pregnancy. This means getting to know how your breasts look and feel so you know what’s normal for you. This will help you feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes.
Breasts change a lot during pregnancy, so it can be difficult to notice any unusual changes at this time. If you’re unsure about any change to your breasts, talk to your midwife or GP.
The breasts and nipples
A side-on diagram of the breast.
A side-on diagram of the breast.
The nipple.
The nipple.
Breasts are made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple). These are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissue. This tissue gives breasts their size and shape.
On the areola there are some small raised bumps called Montgomery glands, which produce fluid to moisturise the nipple.
Glossary term
Coloured area of skin around the nipple.
2. How do breasts change during pregnancy?
Your breasts change during pregnancy to prepare them for feeding your baby. These changes are caused by an increase in hormones, and may include the following:
- Tenderness or a change in sensation of the nipple and breast
- An increase in breast size
- Changes in the colour and size of nipples and areola
- Bigger and more noticeable Montgomery glands
From about the 16th week of pregnancy the breasts are able to produce milk. It’s not unusual for small amounts of straw-coloured fluid called colostrum to leak from the nipples. If you’re worried that it may be noticeable on your clothes, you can use a breast pad (a disposable or washable fabric pad) inside your bra.
In the last few weeks of pregnancy the nipples become larger and the breasts continue to grow as the milk-producing cells get bigger. Your breasts may feel uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Wearing a well-fitting bra may help relieve any pain or discomfort. It’s fine to sleep in a bra if it’s more comfortable for you.
Women are usually advised to avoid certain types of pain relief while pregnant, but if your breasts are particularly painful you can talk to your GP or midwife for advice on pain medication.
3. Are breast lumps common during pregnancy?
Breast lumps sometimes develop during pregnancy. The most common ones are:
- Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
- Galactoceles (milk-filled cysts)
- Fibroadenomas (which develop in the lobules of the breast)
These are benign (not cancer) breast conditions. If you had a fibroadenoma before you were pregnant you may find this gets bigger during pregnancy.
Breast cancer in women of child-bearing age and during pregnancy is uncommon. However, you should get any new breast lump, or any changes to an existing breast lump, checked by your GP.
4. Is it normal to have blood from your nipple?
A few women may have occasional leakage of blood from the nipple. This is due to an increase in the number and size of blood vessels. Although this can be normal during pregnancy, it’s best to get any leakage of blood from the nipple checked by your GP.
5. Finding the right size bra during pregnancy
As your breasts increase in size you should check that your bra isn’t too tight. It’s worth visiting a department store or lingerie shop to be measured and have your bra size checked by a trained bra fitter. Or you could contact the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
A bra fits well if:
- Your breasts fill the cup of the bra leaving no loose fabric and it contains the whole breast without any bulging at the top, bottom or sides
- The strap at the back doesn’t dig in
- The shoulder straps do not carry the full weight of your breasts, stay in place when you lift your arms above your head and fit closely to your body without digging in
- The strap round the back and the front underband lie close to your body and are at the same level at the front and back
- With an underwired bra, the underwire lies flat against your body and supports the underneath and sides of your breast without digging in or gaping
- The bra fits on the loosest set of hooks so that when it begins to stretch with time you can tighten it
You may find it more comfortable to wear a maternity or soft-cup bra. These types of bras can also be worn in bed if you feel you need extra support while sleeping.
If you’re hoping to breastfeed, you may want to buy a couple of nursing bras. These have cups that unfasten and make it easier to feed your baby. The best time to be fitted for a nursing bra is a few weeks before your baby is due when your breasts will have done the majority of their growing.
6. How do breasts change after birth?
Following the birth of a baby, oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease quickly. Around the third day or so after the birth the colostrum becomes diluted by additional fluid that makes it look much whiter. Around this time your breasts may start to leak milk.
When a baby sucks at the breast it triggers nerves that carry messages to the brain that milk is needed. Some women find milk leaks from the nipple when they hear their baby cry, or if their breasts are full and they feel emotional.
This can happen quite a lot in the first few days after you give birth and can sometimes be embarrassing. Putting disposable or washable breast pads in your bra can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
Healthcare Information
Breastfeeding, pregnancy and breast cancer risk
Learn about breastfeeding, pregnancy and breast cancer risk, including why breastfeeding reduces breast cancer risk and how to be breast awa.
Changes due to breastfeeding
The changes that happen to the breasts during pregnancy prepare them for feeding a baby. The Department of Health recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life, if possible, and then continuing to breastfeed alongside solid foods for as long as mother and baby wish. Research shows that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Although breastfeeding is a natural process it can sometimes take a little time to get right. If you’re finding it difficult, talk to your midwife or health visitor.
Some women choose not to breastfeed because it hasn’t been possible or they simply do not feel it is the right choice for them and their baby. There is not a right or wrong decision; you just need to feel you’ve made the best decision for you and your baby.
Women who’ve had breast surgery – due to breast cancer, breast reduction, surgery to the nipple or breast implants, for example – may find that they’re unable to breastfeed. This is due to the formation of scar tissue. However, some women are still able to breastfeed after surgery. You can ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor for help if needed.
You can find more information about breastfeeding on the NHS website. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 for confidential breastfeeding support and information.
7. Possible breast problems after pregnancy
The following describes some of the problems you may experience when your milk ‘comes in’ (when your body begins to produce breast milk and no longer colostrum). Some of this information may apply whether you decide to breastfeed or not.
Sore and cracked nipples
Sore and cracked nipples can develop if the baby does not attach to the breast correctly. If the baby only sucks the nipple, rather than the whole areola being in their mouth, the baby’s tongue or roof of the mouth rubs on the nipple. The nipples can quickly become sore and sometimes cracked.
The nipples won’t heal if the baby does not attach to the breast properly, so if feeding is painful it’s important to get support from a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor as soon as possible.
Engorgement
Breast engorgement is when the breast becomes overfull of milk. Some women describe their breasts as feeling hard, warm and throbbing. Breast engorgement generally happens when milk first comes into the breasts.
If your breasts are engorged and you’re continuing to breastfeed, it’s important to make sure your baby is attaching to the breast correctly. Your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor can help you with this.
Breast engorgement may be eased by:
- Feeding your baby on demand
- Expressing (squeezing out) or using a breast pump to release a small amount of milk so it’s easier for your baby to attach to your breast
You may also find the following helpful:
- Wear a well-fitting nursing bra that does not restrict your breasts
- If your breasts are leaking, apply warm flannels just before expressing
- Apply chilled cabbage leaves to your breasts after feeding or expressing milk – this may help to reduce pain and swelling
- Take paracetamol at the recommended dose to ease the pain – this is safe to take while you’re breastfeeding
Blocked milk ducts
Sometimes a milk duct becomes blocked while breastfeeding. This can also happen when you stop breastfeeding. You may experience a small, painful, hard lump or a bruised feeling.
Things that may help include:
- Feeding your baby more often
- Changing position when you’re feeding (this may help to drain the area more fully)
- Gently massaging the lump towards the nipple while your baby is feeding
- Applying warm flannels to the breast
- Ensuring your bra and clothes aren’t too tight so the milk can flow freely
Mastitis
If breast engorgement or blocked milk ducts continue the breast may become inflamed or infected. This is called mastitis. The breast may be red, hot and painful. Mastitis can cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea and a raised temperature.
It’s important to continue to breastfeed frequently, especially from the affected breast, as this helps to clear the infection and isn’t harmful to the baby.
If you think you might have mastitis you’ll need to see your doctor as it may need treating with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Breast abscess
If mastitis or an infection isn’t treated, some women go on to develop an abscess (a collection of pus) in the breast. Breast abscesses are not common – if you think you have an abscess it’s very important to see your GP. They may refer you to a breast clinic.
Abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics and are often drained using a needle and syringe. An ultrasound scan may be used to guide the needle into the correct place. If the abscess is large, a small cut is made in it to allow the pus to drain away. An injection of local anaesthetic is usually given to numb the area first.
As with mastitis, your doctor will usually advise you to continue breastfeeding or use a breast pump to express the milk regularly.
Thrush
Thrush (candida albicans) is a yeast infection that may occur on the nipple and areola during breastfeeding. It can develop following cracking or damage to the nipple but may also happen suddenly, even when you’ve been breastfeeding for some time.
The nipple may become itchy, painful and sensitive to touch. Some women find they have shooting pains deep in the breast that start after feeding and can last for a few hours.
Thrush can be difficult to diagnose as many of the symptoms are similar to those caused by the baby not being latched on to the breast properly during breastfeeding.
Thrush can also be passed from mother to baby. Signs of thrush in your baby may include a creamy patch on the tongue or in the mouth which does not rub off. Babies may also get a sore mouth which can cause restlessness during feeding and pulling away from the breast. Nappy rash (red rash or soreness that’s slow to heal) is another symptom of thrush.
If you think you have these symptoms, talk to your GP or health visitor. Both you and your baby will need to have treatment at the same time.
Am I Pregnant?
The signs of early pregnancy can vary from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. You may feel your body making changes before you know you’re pregnant or you may not notice any symptoms at all. Symptoms of early pregnancy include a missed period, needing to pee more often, tender breasts, feeling tired and morning sickness.
Answers to commonly asked questions about pregnancy.
What are common symptoms of pregnancy?
Everyone experiences different symptoms of pregnancy and at different times. It’s important not to compare your pregnancy to someone else’s because pregnancy symptoms can vary so dramatically.
There are several signs of early pregnancy that you may or may not have. The most common symptoms include:
- A missed period: The most common and obvious sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Once conception has happened, your body produces hormones that stop ovulation and the shedding of the lining of your uterus. This means that your menstrual cycle has stopped and you won’t have a period again until after your baby is born. But missing your period isn’t always a sign of pregnancy. You can also miss your period from stress, excessive exercise, dieting, hormone imbalances and other factors that might cause irregular periods.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom: Before you even miss a period, you may notice that you have to pee more often. This happens because you have more blood than before. During pregnancy, your body’s blood supply increases. Your kidneys filter your blood and remove the extra waste. This waste leaves your body as pee. The more blood in your body, the more you’ll have to pee.
- Fatigue (feeling tired): Many people feel extremely tired in early pregnancy. This sign of pregnancy happens because of high levels of the hormone progesterone. Similar to other early pregnancy symptoms, fatigue tends to get better in the second trimester (after week 13 of pregnancy). However, it does come back in the third trimester for many people.
- Morning (and noon and night) sickness: Despite the name, this pregnancy symptom can happen at any time of the day or night. Nausea can happen as early as two weeks into a pregnancy. Not everyone experiences nausea and there are various levels of nausea. You can feel nausea but never vomit. About half of pregnant people vomit due to nausea. Though nausea during pregnancy is fairly normal, it can be a problem if you become dehydrated. People who can’t keep down food and fluids because of extreme nausea could have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing extreme nausea and dehydration.
- Sore (and swollen) breasts: Your breasts can become tender to the touch during pregnancy. The soreness may be similar to the way your breasts feel before a period, only more so. Your areolas (the area around your nipple) might also begin to darken and enlarge. This soreness is temporary and fades once your body gets used to the increased hormones. You may also notice that your breasts have gotten larger and your bra is tighter than normal.
Remember, the only way to know for sure that you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test or have your healthcare provider perform an ultrasound.
What are some less common signs of early pregnancy?
There are some additional signs of early pregnancy that aren’t as common. Just like with the most common symptoms, these signs of pregnancy may or may not happen. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and experiences signs of pregnancy differently.
Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:
- Spotting (also called implantation bleeding): Though it may seem like a bad sign, light bleeding (spotting) can be a sign that an embryo has implanted in the lining of your uterus. Implantation takes place about 10 days after conception. Implantation bleeding looks like small drops of blood or a brownish discharge from your vagina. It can start around the time of your regular period and can last for a few days to a few weeks. Spotting can cause some people to think they have just had a light period and aren’t pregnant.
- Food cravings, constant hunger and food aversions: Food can be complicated during early pregnancy. Some people begin to crave certain foods or feel constantly hungry. While some foods and flavors may seem wonderful in early pregnancy, others might suddenly taste unpleasant. Food aversions can happen throughout pregnancy, making you dislike things you previously enjoyed.
- Metallic taste in your mouth: Many people say that they experience a metallic taste in their mouths during the early stages of pregnancy. It may taste like you have a pile of coins in your mouth. This can happen when you eat certain foods or randomly throughout the day.
- Headaches and dizziness: Headaches and the feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness are common during early pregnancy. This happens because of both the hormonal changes in your body and your increasing blood volume.
- Cramping: You can also experience mild, period-like cramps that come and go over a few days. If these cramps are felt mainly on one side of your body or are severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or other complication.
- Mood swings: As your hormones continue to change, you could experience mood swings. This is normal and can happen throughout pregnancy. However, if you ever feel anxious, depressed or have thoughts of harming yourself, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- Congestion: Some people experience a stuffy nose in early pregnancy due to the increase in hormone levels and blood. The mucous membranes in your nose become dry and are more likely to bleed.
- Bloating: While it may take several weeks or months to have a noticeable baby bump, the surge of hormones can cause your stomach to feel bloated and lead to passing gas more than usual.
- Acne or skin changes: Your increased hormones and blood volume are to blame for any skin changes you experience. While some people get a pregnancy glow and clearer skin during pregnancy, others may get more pimples.
How early do pregnancy symptoms start?
It varies. Some people feel pregnant within a few days of conception, while other people don’t feel pregnant for weeks after a positive pregnancy test. Pregnancy symptoms vary between people and even between pregnancies.
Can you feel pregnant before you miss your period?
Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say they’ve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception (about one week before a missed period).
Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?
Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop.
The best way to know you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.
How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your pee. You can take a pregnancy test as soon as you’ve missed your period. However, it’s best to wait at least one week after you’ve missed your period to get the most accurate results. While some tests claim to give you accurate results before a missed period, taking a test too soon can result in a false negative (the test says you aren’t pregnant, but you are).
Your healthcare provider can take a blood sample to test for pregnancy as early as one week before a missed period.
When should I call my doctor about a new pregnancy?
If you’ve missed your period and gotten a positive pregnancy test, your next step will be to call your healthcare provider for your first appointment. While scheduling, your provider may ask if you have already started taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid. Prenatal vitamins are important in early pregnancy because they help in the development of the fetal neural tube. The neural tube will become your baby’s brain and spine. Many healthcare providers recommend that anyone who could become pregnant take folic acid at all times.
If you’re planning a pregnancy, a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. A preconception appointment is especially important if you take medication for a chronic illness or have other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or lupus.
During this appointment, your provider will discuss any current medical conditions, as well as your general health before pregnancy. This appointment is meant to get you into the best place for a new pregnancy.
Everyone experiences pregnancy differently. Things like missing your period, sore or tender breasts, feeling more tired and nausea (morning sickness) are common symptoms of early pregnancy. Some people have symptoms of pregnancy before they miss their period. Take an at-home pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant. They’re available at most grocery stores and are highly accurate when used correctly. Call your healthcare provider if you get a positive result. Early prenatal care is important and ensures you and the fetus are healthy.
