Breast changes during pregnancy
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Breast changes during pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy, your breasts will become larger and heavier, and you may need a larger and more supportive bra. The tenderness and tingling sensation from early pregnancy will probably decrease.
As your breasts become larger, the veins become more noticeable under the skin. The nipples and the area around the nipples (areola) become darker and larger. Small bumps may appear on the areolae and disappear after delivery.
Some women develop stretch marks on their breasts.
As early as the 16th to 19th week, you may notice a thin, yellowish discharge (colostrum) from your nipples. Colostrum is what your breasts produce when they are preparing for breast-feeding.
In the third trimester, your chest wall may widen because of the growing baby. You may need a larger bra or a bra extender.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | November 30, 2006 |
| Last updated: | November 30, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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