Tender and swollen breasts?

The breasts continue to grow during your entire pregnancy and you will go up at least one bra size. If you breastfeed, you’ll probably go up yet another size. Get a sturdy bra that gives you support and doesn’t squeeze your breasts as they are extra sensitive now. Normally, the breasts ache and the nipples hurt. Some women can’t stand being touched whilst others find that the sensitivity of the breasts increases their libido. The tenderness will often pass after three or four months but some women have sensitive breasts throughout the entire pregnancy. The reason for this is the hormone changes in the body.

Hormones are created in the placenta, and the milk ducts and mammary glands grow. Around week 13, the areolas harden and get bigger and darker. At this time, the body is preparing for breast milk production. Sometimes, it’s possible to squeeze out so-called colostrum already during the pregnancy, a transparent or yellowish liquid. Colostrum can also leak from the breasts during sex. This is normal and completely natural, with nothing to worry about. The milk ducts that transport the milk are fully developed during the second trimester, the fourth to sixth month. This means you can breastfeed your baby even if it is premature. The real milk production kicks off after the baby is born, usually on the second or third day.