How to Help with Breast Pain During Pregnancy
Sore breasts are one of the most common first signs of pregnancy. If you happen to feel tenderness or heaviness in your breasts from 6 weeks onwards, it’s completely normal and not a cause to worry.
What causes sore breasts during pregnancy?
Breast pain during pregnancy is due to the hormones your body is producing in order to maintain and help the progress of the pregnancy. Some of these hormones cause the growth and proliferation of your breast tissue.
The soreness you experience is mainly growing pains that will help prepare your breast for milk production and eventually, lactation.
Tips To Help With Breast Pain During Pregnancy
That said, there are things you can do to help alleviate this pain safely
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Find a good bra
One of the first things you can try is a well-fitting, more supportive bra. Ditch those flimsy bras through your pregnancy and get a better bra with the following features:
- Wide shoulder straps
- Deep band beneath the cups
- Good support
If nothing else works, you can try a sports bra. This will keep your breasts secured and minimize movement, reducing the pain. You might want to even try keeping your bra on while you sleep!
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Opt for loose-fitting clothes
While your bra should be well-fitted and supportive, your clothes should be loose, especially your shirt. This is to prevent friction against your breasts and reduce the chances of pain. Loose clothes also allow more room for your breasts to grow instead of constricting them.
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Try a cold compress
On days when nothing works and your breasts feel particularly heavy, try a cold compress to ease your pain. This will help soothe your blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
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Use gentle water temperature while showering
While taking showers, try to avoid using water that’s too hot or too cold. Instead, use a moderate setting that’s gentle on your skin.
Your skin is already too sensitive during this time, and using water that’s too hot will further exacerbate the inflammation and increase the pain.
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Try breast pads
If you feel like any amount of friction is painful, line your bra or your clothes with a breast pad. These pads are usually used during lactation to prevent leaking onto your clothes, but you can always use them during this time if it helps!
If none of these techniques are helping you out, refer to your healthcare provider for a more effective solution. If you have any other questions, you can always visit our team of midwives for further assistance.