Introduction
Breast pain is the most common complaint in the area of the breasts. Breast pain occurring in the rhythm of the monthly cycle (cyclical) is also called mastodynia in technical jargon, whereas cycle-independent (acyclic) chest pain is called mastalgia. One-sided or bilateral breast pain occurring during pregnancy is considered to be cycle-independent breast pain.
Breast pain, pulling in the breast, sensitivity to touch and a feeling of tension are typical of an existing pregnancy. This is why the tightening of the breasts is also counted among the probable signs of pregnancy. However, it is not counted among the safe signs of pregnancy, as it can also indicate that menstrual bleeding will soon begin. The hormonal changes during pregnancy are responsible for the complaints in the area of the breasts. A fifth of women with breast pain say that the breast pain was the reason they took a pregnancy test, such as Clearblue®, and that it was this pain that led them to decide that they were pregnant.
When does the pain start?
Breast pain, a pulling in the breasts as well as feelings of tension in the breasts are typical for an existing pregnancy. These complaints can occur at an early stage (5th – 8th week of pregnancy).
Changes in the breasts (mammae) during pregnancy
The hormonal changes cause an increase in breast volume at an early stage (5th-8th week of pregnancy), which the pregnant woman perceives with a feeling of tension. In addition, the superficial veins dilate and the pigmentation of the nipples and areola increases, making them appear darker. The enlargement of the mammary glands displaces the connective and fatty tissue of the breasts, this development is called “pregnancy adenosis”.
This change is encouraged by a variety of hormones. As a result, the breasts feel knotty when they are palpated. This palpation can already lead to the discharge of a secretion droplet from the 12th week of pregnancy.
This is first milk (colostrum), whose ingredients are water, minerals, fat droplets, exfoliated glandular epithelial cells and foam cells (lipid macrophages). The hormone prolactin, which is produced in the front lobe of the pituitary gland, is responsible for the production and excretion of breast milk. The extent of all the described changes varies individually and depends on the initial size of the breast and the number of glandular lobules. At the end of pregnancy, however, each breast has increased in size by about 400g.
Do what? What helps? What provides relief?
It is reassuring to know that the pronounced breast pain that many women complain of at the beginning of pregnancy subsides after the first three months. Despite this, there are some supportive measures that can help to alleviate the discomfort and make the time until birth easier. These include a pregnancy bra that fits well and provides ideal support for the breasts.
This should be made of cotton or silk, as lace bras can additionally irritate the sensitive nipples and promote the development of inflammation. Wearing bras that are too small and constricting should also be avoided. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be advisable to wear a light pregnancy bra at night as well, so that the breasts are optimally supported during this time as well.
To find a suitable and well-fitting pregnancy bra, it is advisable to visit a specialist shop, for example a maternity fashion store. Movements that provoke the occurrence of breast pain should be avoided if possible. In addition, cool compresses are perceived as pleasant by many of those affected and can cause slight swelling of the breast tissue. Gentle massages of the breast with a soothing pregnancy oil or a fatty cream can also help to relieve breast pain during pregnancy.
