Breast Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormonal changes cause the woman’s breasts to undergo a series of changes in preparation for breastfeeding. These changes primarily occur in the first trimester of pregnancy and are often one of the first things a woman notices as a pregnancy symptom.

Breast Changes

• During pregnancy you may notice your breasts become larger, swollen and more lumpy (also known as hypernodularity). It is believed that the blood flow through the mammary glands doubles during pregnancy which can account for breast size changes. Furthermore, an increase in branching of the ductal system together with growth of the tissues that are responsible for milk secretion (lobules) can account for changes in breast size and feel. Your breasts will begin to produce Colostrum (the first milk) from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, and this increases steadily until birth in preparation for your baby.

• You may notice that your breasts have become more sensitive to the point where you can’t even stand your clothes rubbing on them. This is normal and is caused by both the physical and hormonal changes occurring to your breasts and your nipples in preparation for breastfeeding. You can wear your Silverette Nipple Shields during pregnancy to help you with your nipple sensitivity.

• Your nipples and areolas (darker circle around your nipple) may change colour and become darker. This is due to the hormones of pregnancy causing increased production of pigmentation from the skin cells. It is thought the be nature’s way of helping your baby to find the breast. 

• You may notice little pimple looking bumps on your areola, also known as Montgomery’s Tubercles. During pregnancy these glands produce oil which is secreted during breastfeeding to help keep the nipple moist and protected. It is important not to you’re your breasts with soap before feeds as this may impact secretion from the Montgomery’s Tubercles. These will shrink back down after pregnancy.

I don’t have large breasts will I still be able to breastfeed?

Yes, ability to produce breastmilk is not reliant on breast size. Our breasts are mostly made up of breast tissue, fatty and fibrous tissue, and ducts that carry the milk from the lobules (milk producing glands) to the nipple. So, although breastmilk production does not rely on breast size, it does rely on breast tissue and mammary gland development during early pregnancy and the early postpartum period.

If you have any breast lumps or changes that you are concerned about, always see your GP or healthcare provider.