Specificity of nocturnal chest pain
Some pregnant women also suffer from the annoying breast pain at night. This is particularly unpleasant, as sleep can often be greatly disturbed or even impossible due to the discomfort. If the breasts are very sensitive to touch, it can be almost impossible to find a suitable pain-free sleeping position.
Women with very sensitive breasts often benefit from wearing a thin bra at night, which fits well and does not rub against the skin. This protects the sensitive nipples from rubbing against the nightgown or bedspread. A light massage of the breasts with pregnancy oil, the application of cool or warm compresses and a warm bath before going to bed can also provide relief. The same applies to night-time breast pain as well as to pain during the day. As a rule, it improves from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, as the body gets used to the pregnancy and the breast tissue has adapted to the new requirements.
Forecast
Breast pain caused by pregnancy is usually most pronounced in the first third of the pregnancy. In this phase, the body still has to adjust to the pregnancy. The breasts become larger, the glandular tissue multiplies and soon milk production begins. As soon as most of the remodelling processes have taken place, the pain usually also decreases. From the third to fourth month of pregnancy onwards, an improvement of the symptoms can be expected.
Duration of chest pain
Whether and how long breast pain can occur during pregnancy cannot always be said in general terms, but varies greatly from one individual to another. It is a fact that the mammary gland tissue grows throughout the entire pregnancy due to the hormonal changes and is prepared and changed for the upcoming breastfeeding period, so that breast pain can certainly occur throughout the entire pregnancy and even while breastfeeding.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent pregnancy-related breast pain, it is advisable to purchase well-fitting bras that provide sufficient support but do not have a restrictive effect. The growing breast needs support and sufficient space. Underwired bras can be uncomfortable and cause pain for many women during this phase.
Special pregnancy bras that are soft but firm are more suitable. Wider straps also improve support. For very sensitive breasts, soft bras can also be worn at night as a preventive measure.
Sports bras should be worn especially during sport, as the vibrations can additionally irritate the breasts and contribute to the development of breast pain. Otherwise, breast pain during pregnancy is unfortunately not always avoidable due to hormonal changes in the body. However, as soon as the body has become accustomed to pregnancy, the complaints usually improve on their own.
