✓ Breast in pregnancy

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Breast in pregnancy

Il breast during the pregnancy undergoes a series of modifications due to the adaptation and preparation of the body in anticipation of birth of the child.

These changes are attributable to the changes in hormone levels which typically occur during this stage of a woman's life.

La Doctor Rossana , gynecologist in Genoa, explains how the breast during the pregnancy and gives us some tips on how to preserve her health and beauty.

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Breast changes

"The breast it is formed by a daisy-shaped gland, with a tubular structure in the center, or small ducts that flow into the middle of the nipple, and 15 - 20 'petals' which are the lobules placed in a crown, immersed in adipose tissue "he explains Rossana , gynecologist in Genoa.

"During the first three months of pregnancy, the milk ducts and the lobules begin to increase in volume, under the influence of estrogen first of all, but also of progesterone, prolactin, ACTH (which stimulates the adrenal gland), growth hormone and other substances; cells such as lymphocytes and eosinophils also arrive in the interstitial tissue. The change becomes even more evident in the second quarter, when the lobules still grow and something similar to colostrum begins to form, while the milk ducts dilate and develop additional alveoli, which towards the end of pregnancy will begin and produce the real colostrum. In addition to this, the blood vessels normally present increase the blood supply over the months ".

Breast augmentation

The visible result of all these internal changes?

"Even before the menstrual failure, the breasts begin to enlarge, giving a sense of discomfort and tension and a greater sensitivity of the nipple, than often foretell the woman to be pregnant even before taking the test! "replies the gynecologist.

"Over the months, then, increases the pigmentation of the nipple and of the areola and small 'knots' form around them, while the veins on the breast become more evident, the skin becomes shinier and drier and sometimes reddish stretch marks appear.

If we try to feel the breasts, we may notice densest areas of glands, while if we squeeze the nipple a whitish liquid could come out. They are all normal phenomena, which signal that the breast is preparing to breastfeed the baby".

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Un big breast has a larger fat mass but not a larger or more milk-producing gland, therefore even those with small breasts have the opportunity to breastfeed your baby at best!

Tips for preserving the health and beauty of the breasts

From the first months of pregnancy, wear a bra appropriate for your breast size: the ideal is a specific type for pregnancy, which offers optimal support and adapts well to changes in the nine months, without having to constantly change size (the increase in volume in fact is not constant: the breasts can be enlarged at the beginning pregnancy, then have a period of stasis and subsequently enlarge again).
To keep the skin supple and hydrated, apply an anti-stretch mark cream to the skin every day, while to soften and strengthen the nipple ok to massage with almond oil or a specific cream.
If the nipple is indented or flat, during the massage you can try to gently pull it out with your fingers. On the market there are special suckers that create a negative atmosphere that favors the exit of the nipple; alternatively, a common 10 or 20 cc syringe can be used: after cutting the part where the needle is and inserting the plunger upside down, the smooth part of the syringe rests on the nipple and sucks up a little.
To keep your breasts toned, do constant exercises to strengthen the pectoral muscles: a simple exercise, for example, is to squeeze the palms of the hands together keeping the elbows apart and the hands in front of the chest, or rather a little lower towards the abdomen to strengthen the lower pectorals (those that pull up the breast!)
Try to always keep an upright posture and don't give in to the temptation to lean forward, with the excuse of the weight gain of your baby bump.
In terms of cancer prevention, it would be a good rule to do a breast ultrasound before conception and after the end of breastfeeding. And remember: among the many benefits of breastfeeding, there is also that of reducing the risk of breast cancer!

Questions and answers

What are the first signs of pregnancy?

Nausea, pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of tension in the breasts: these are some of the most common symptoms of a pregnancy.

How does the breast change in the first trimester of pregnancy?

The increase in hormones and the change in the structure of the breast mean that the nipples and breasts are sensitive and soft from the first three or four weeks of gestation.

Read also: How to firm your breasts after breastfeeding

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