Changes in breast tissues and nipples in pregnancy

Feb 22, 2009 in Pregnancy

CHANGES IN THE BREASTS TISSUES

From the time you conceive, your breasts are given the signal and they start preparing themselves for your baby’s feeding. You will see that conception starts a cycle in your body in which your whole self and all the organs orchestrate and change to make, produce, deliver and support the baby to come…this is nature!

To start with there is only slight enlargement of the breasts because of more fats deposited; it may be accompanied by tenderness. This is the time to start wearing support bras to avoid tenderness and sagging of the breasts later on.
The area around the nipple and areola starts showing more pigmentation and darkens (this is irreversible pigmentation).
After a month or two, you may also notice secretions coming out from the nipple.
Montgomery’s tubercles, (small bumps protruding out around the nipple), may also be seen, these are all due to increase in the milk ducts and formation of new glands in the breast tissues in preparation for formation, storage and secretion of milk.
The size too increases progressively with time.( the breasts gain 5-7 kgs in the entire 40 weeks pregnancy)
Your breasts may also show prominent veins called the spider veins and this too is normal.

I have leaky nipples. Is this normal ? Is it milk ?

Colostrum (the first milk that your breasts secrete) may start from the fourth or the fifth month and it is normal.

You can pad your breasts if it is marking your cloths.

Also visit our site ‘ourbabysworld.com’ for a complete and comprehensive guide to all the aspects of pregnancy and parenting