Breast Care during Pregnancy

As the pregnancy begins the breast changes and prepares itself for 9 months for the arrival of baby. The hormones cause these changes and you may experience a few more than others. These changes include :

• Growth and enlargement
• Tenderness and hypersensitivity
• Darkening of nipples and areolas (the skin around your nipples), due to hormones that affect pigmentation of the skin
• Darkened veins along your breasts (due to increased blood supply to your breasts)
• Your breasts may start leaking a yellowish, thick substance known as colostrum
• Nipples stick out more; the areolas and nipples will grow larger
• Small glands on the surface of the areolas called Montgomery's tubercles become raised bumps

Sensitive and tender breasts:
Hormones in your body are preparing your breasts for lactation. The milk ducts are growing and being stretched as they fill with milk early in pregnancy. All this causes your breasts to be more sensitive, particularly your nipples.

Colostrum:
This is known as pre-milk, which is a sweet and watery fluid that is easy to digest. During your second trimester your breasts will begin to produce colostrum. Colostrum appears thick and yellow at first, and as birth draws near, it becomes pale and almost colorless. There is no need to be alarmed when this happens, and there is no need to worry if it does not happen. Women who do not experience discharge in pregnancy still produce and provide milk for their baby.

Breast Care :

• Buying a good supportive cotton bra can help a lot to stabilize your breasts. Lovable brand is one the best supportive bras recommended by docs.
• Massage your nipples with pure olive oil and areolas in a circular movement after bath. It will help ease the sensitiveness and prevents cracks on nipples.