Breast Changes During and After Pregnancy
From ChildWiki.com
Not all women realize the importance and the real meaning of their breasts until they conceive.
As the body prepares to assure the baby future sustenance rich in nutrients, the breasts are changing. Also, the way they are regarded by pregnant women changes as well. This pregnancy preparation is the first change that occurs in breasts since the onset of puberty. All of these transformations are normal, and the breasts will modify both during pregnancy and after the birth.
Psychologists say that after birth, breasts are perceived as essential for breastfeeding the baby and not as sexual objects in their relationship with their partner.
Breastfeeding mothers might even feel as if they're committing an act of indecent exposure when the baby is hungry in public places. The breast, seen until now as a sexual object, has transformed in a source of food.
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[edit] Larger Breasts During Pregnancy
It is true that all breasts will grow during pregnancy. Gynecological and obstetric professionals agree. Some women will only observe a small swelling of the breasts at the beginning of the pregnancy, while others will have to go bra shopping every month. Standards cannot be settled, because no two pregnancies are alike. On average, however; a woman that wore size 30 B will wear, after 36 weeks of pregnancy, a size 30 C- a whole cup size larger. On the other hand, even if a spectacular growth occurs during the first pregnancy it doesn't mean that this will happen with future pregnancies. Sometimes the modifications can be smaller.
[edit] What Happens to Breasts During Pregnancy?
The breasts, which differ in forms and dimensions from woman to woman, start developing in puberty. Many woman will see major changes while pregnant. The process might begin even before she realizes she is pregnant.
As the milk producing cells and milk ducts develop, the breast will become more sensitive to the touch. The blood volume grows, and the veins in the breast will become more pronounced, especially in Caucasian women.
The halo or areola, the circle of dark skin surrounding the nipple, will turn black, just like the small buds, or Montgomery glands, that will lubricate the breast during breastfeeding. Breasts will become bigger and heavier.
When it comes to milk production, breast size doesn't matter. Women with small breasts can produce just as much milk as women with generous breasts.
The milk production starts in Pregnancy Week 22. In each breast there are complex networks of glands and ducts. When the woman is preparing to breastfeed, the milk will proceed through the ducts until it reaches the milk reservoirs located under the nipple. The infant will feed through small pores in the nipple.
Sometimes a milky secretion flows from the breasts during pregnancy. This is the colostrum, and will constitute the baby's first meals.
[edit] When to Buy a New Bra
As the breasts change during pregnancy, you'll have to change your bra size and style. It is important for the bra to offer the support the breast needs. A new size is needed as soon as the old one seems too tight, which usually happens between Pregnancy Week 10 and Pregnancy Week 12. Specialists do not recommend bras with an underwire, on which many women rely. The ideal pregnancy bra is similar to sports bras that are hardened around the cup, without using metal or plastic. If the woman does not change the bra as soon as she feels it is too small, the breasts will become extremely sensitive- even to the point of pain. The minor trauma created by a smaller bra can have long term effects. If the bra is too loose, the weight of the moving breasts overworks the already overworked ligaments. If it is too tight, compression will affect the mammary gland.
For breastfeeding, bras with Velcro straps, hidden buttons or detachable cups are recommended. Many maternity clothing lines offer nursing bras.
[edit] Breastfeeding and Nipples
Some women will notice that their nipples will remain erect for longer periods of time during pregnancy, while others may not. In fact, the shape and dimensions of the nipple do not affect breastfeeding in any major way.
Even women with retracted nipples can successfully breastfeed. The infant has enough suction to reveal the nipple and to use it efficiently. As the grow, many infants are more comfortable when the nipples are less erect- softer along the gums and tongue. Once flat nipples will become more round during breastfeeding, and may remain this way.
[edit] When and How Milk Appears
The milk secretion is controlled by two hormones. Prolactin, which starts secreting once the placenta is eliminated, stimulates the milk production inside the mammary gland. The second hormone, oxytocin, determines the contraction of muscular fibers while they push the milk from the mammary gland toward the reservoir. When the two hormones work together, there may be a localized sensation of heat. Initially, the breast will produce colostrum, which is rich in proteins,and antibodies. These antibodies will provide the infant with excellent protection against disease. The transition from colostrum to normal breast milk occurs within 3 to 5 days. Two weeks after birth, the milk will reach complete maturation. Milk color varies while breastfeeding.
[edit] Breast Problems After Birth
During the few days after birth, the woman's breasts will feel heavier and warm to the touch. As she breastfeeds, these sensations will disappear. If after 24 hours there is still no amelioration, or let-down, then massaging the breasts will help alleviate the pain. Some women wear warm clothes to feel better.
Lactation specialists show that the most common problems are caused by trauma to the nipples, through which too little milk flows. Next to the mother the baby suffers as well, without the proper influx of mother's milk, the baby will fail to thrive. Sometimes, problems with breastfeeding can be caused by improper positioning of the baby to the breast. The breastfeeding infant should be able to take the full nipple into his/her mouth as well as most of the surrouding areola (the dark area around the nipple). This way, the inferior gum will press right onto the milk sachet. When the baby is improperly positioned, the infant will not be able to empty the breast. Without a full feeding, the mother's breast may become engorged and painful. Also, without an proper emptying of the breast, the milk production will decrease- milk production is truly based on supply and demand. Once the infant is latched on correctly, problems may disappear in less than 48 hours.
Other breast ailments are caused by the clogging of the milk ducts. Massaging the breast, applying a heating pad to the painful area, or taking a warm shower can help move the clog along and allow the milk to flow through again. If the blockage is not eliminated, mastitis, or a swelling of the breast, can occur. The breasts will swell, and the woman will experience flu-like symptoms.
[edit] Stretch Marks After Birth
As the breast enlarges, stretch marks can appear on the skin. Stretch marks are red lines on the outer layer of the skin, that usually turn white once the breasts have returned to normal. To prevent this phenomenon, many women rely on massaging the breasts and applying moisturizers. After breastfeeding starts, stretch marks will disappear by themselves.
[edit] Will Breast Size Decrease Once Breastfeeding Stops?
In most cases, after breastfeeding stops, the breasts will decrease in volume, however; some women report that their breasts remain at their pregnancy size.
