Nipples and tender breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.  As your body is preparing for breastfeeding, you will see all these changes happening soon.

Breast tenderness

🤱Causes of tenderness

Surging hormones progesterone, estrogen and prolactin in pregnancy increases blood flow to the breasts and prepares them for breastfeeding.🤱 Breast tenderness starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester.

🤱Sore nipples

Your nipples might feel extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. It is temporary but periodic throughout pregnancy.🤰

Other breast changes you can expect

🤱Breast growth

Starting around 6 to 8 weeks, your breasts are getting bigger and itchy and they will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.🤱 Stretch marks are more visible since the skin stretches.🙂

🤱Veins and pigments changes

Veins under your breast are more evident. After the first few months, your areolas will also get bigger and darker.🙂 

🤱Bumps on the areola

Bumps on the areola are noticeable when you're pregnant.🤰 These bumps, called Montgomery's tubercles, are producing oil on the surface of your breast.

🤱Leaky breasts

During pregnancy, your breasts initially start producing colostrum, which is the precursor to immune-boosting milk for the baby.🍼 You may leak a small amount of this thick yellowish liquid in the last few months of pregnancy.

🤱Lumpy breasts

Lumps and bumps developing on your breasts are milk-filled cysts or benign breast tumors. It's difficult to develop acute tumors or breast cancer during pregnancy.😃 If your lumps are hard and persistent, consult with your medical providers for better checkups.🩺

Ways to ease breast pain

🤱Maternity bras

Comfortable maternity bras usually have extra hooks for your expanding rib cage.👗 It provides support and structure, making you feel more at ease without using underwire.😃  

🤱Nursing bras

You're preparing to breastfeed your baby soon.🧑‍🍼 Nursing bras might be the best option at this time because they also bring comfort and clip-down cups to make it more convenient to feed the baby.

🤱Sleep bras

Sleep bras have wider straps and are made of soft cotton lining. They won't make you feel like you're actually wearing bras when you sleep.💤

🤱Sports bras

Gentle exercises are highly recommended for pregnant women. Sports bras can support your laggy and heavy breasts while you are walking on the treadmill.🏃‍♀️