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Breast in pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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The mammary gland under pregnancy undergoes many changes and plays a very important role in the normal functioning of the female body. Let's consider the features of changes in the mammary gland during pregnancy.

The mammary gland during pregnancy begins to change from the first days of conception and is the first true sign of pregnancy. The breast becomes very sensitive and even painful, increases in size and changes color slightly (nipples may darken, and a vein can appear on the chest itself). In addition, a woman may have a small discharge from her nipples. Such secretions are called colostrum and are considered quite normal.

But in some cases, the condition of the mammary glands during pregnancy requires mammologist consultations. Medical care is needed in the event that bloody discharge began to be allocated from the breast, the chest began to ache, changed color, hardened or unevenly increased. Also, restless symptoms are the appearance of cavities on the chest or painful cones. But the itching of the breast during pregnancy is normal. As the breast increases in size, the skin stretches and begins to itch. In this case, you need to use a cream from stretch marks.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Change in mammary glands during pregnancy

Changing the mammary glands during pregnancy is a natural process. From the first days of bearing a child in the female body, hormonal changes begin that last until the baby is born. Breast begins to increase intensively in the first trimester and before childbirth. On average, a pregnant woman's breast can increase by several sizes.

In addition to changing the size, the breast becomes sensitive to touch and very painful. But in some women, breast changes during pregnancy do not cause discomfort and occur almost asymptomatically. Another change that awaits every woman is the appearance of the venous network, as the volume of the breast increases. Nipples and areoles become darker and they appear peculiar tubercles. Before birth may appear minor discharge from the chest, which is usually considered the first mother's milk.

All of the above changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy are considered normal. Any other changes may occur due to improper production of hormones and other pathological processes in the body, so require medical attention and advice.

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Discharge from the mammary glands during pregnancy

Allocations from the mammary glands during pregnancy are the norm. If the discharge appeared immediately after the delay in menstruation, then they are the first early sign of pregnancy. In the last weeks of bearing a child, women may have a discharge from the breast of a yellow color. Such secretions are called colostrum, and they are considered the first milk of the mother. Colostrum is very fat and sweet - the ideal food for the baby, which just came into being and has not yet recovered.

Note that the above allocation can not be expressed, since stimulation of the breast can cause miscarriage due to the release of oxytocin. If the discharge is very strong and painful, then it is an occasion to seek medical advice. Many women do not pay attention to the strong secretion of colostrum, but this is incorrect, since such fatty discharges are an excellent environment for the emergence of inflammatory processes due to the multiplication of bacteria.

If the discharge is accompanied by painful sensations, pulling pains, chest hardening or uneven growth, it is the body's signal about the presence of diseases that require immediate treatment.

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Chest Pain in Pregnancy

Pain in the chest gland during pregnancy is due to the hormonal changes that occur in the female body. Pain in the mammary gland refers to the first signs of pregnancy. So, in some women, the pain appears before the delay in menstruation. The pain is aching and not significantly pronounced.

In addition to chest pain during pregnancy, a woman is waiting for breast augmentation. The mammary glands are prepared for the appearance of the baby and feeding, so the venous mesh, a feeling of heaviness and excretion may appear on the breast. All these symptoms are considered normal and should not cause concern to a woman. But, if the chest is very sore, hardened or began to increase disproportionately, this is an occasion to seek medical help.

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Breast augmentation during pregnancy

The increase in mammary glands during pregnancy begins with the first months. Many women during this period feel a slight itch and tingling in the chest. And soon the areolar region begins to protrude above the breast and becomes darker, and by the third month of bearing the baby, small tubercles appear on the chest. All these symptoms indicate that the pregnancy is normal, and there is no cause for concern.

During pregnancy, the breast can grow to several sizes, but after the delivery and lactation period, gradually begins to take its former size. But during this period, many women experience severe itching. It is due to the fact that the chest increases. Therefore, to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the chest, and the itching does not disturb, it is recommended to use special cosmetic products that will prevent their appearance.

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Swelling of the mammary glands during pregnancy

Swelling of the mammary glands during pregnancy is the cause of breast tenderness. Swollen breasts testify to hormonal changes in the female body. The chest pain lasts throughout the first trimester and almost disappears by the middle of the gestation period.

Swelling of the mammary glands is the first and accurate sign of pregnancy. But in some women, swelling of the breast can indicate the presence of the disease. Therefore, to confirm pregnancy, you need to undergo an examination with a gynecologist, and if necessary, a mammologist and an additional ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. Pregnant women need to be attentive to the breast during the period of carrying the child. Any discomfort or soreness can affect the process of lactation in the future.

Pruritus itching during pregnancy

Itching of the mammary glands during pregnancy appears in every woman and is considered quite normal. The reason for the appearance of itching is the growth of the mammary glands, that is, the preparation of the body for feeding the baby. The skin on the chest gradually stretches and itches. But the breast can itch and because of the increased level of progesterone in the blood, which causes dry skin. In order that the breast does not itch, it is recommended to use a massage oil or a special cream from stretch marks. This will eliminate the itching and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. For these purposes, collagen moisturizing creams with elastin are also suitable.

Also, itching can occur because of allergies to vitamins, which prescribe to pregnant women and other drugs. If the itching does not go away for a very long time and red spots appear on the chest, then this is an occasion to consult a mammologist and an endocrinologist.

Fibroadenoma of the breast and pregnancy

Fibroadenoma of the breast and pregnancy are related. Fibroadenoma is a benign thickening in the chest, which consists of connective tissue and overgrown glandular tissue. The appearance of a condensation causes fears and is an occasion to consult a mammologist. The compaction is caused by hormonal changes in the body. If the tumor is not large and does not increase, then after the lactation period, a woman is prescribed medication or the seal is removed with the help of a surgical procedure.

If the tumor is accompanied by painful sensations and actively increases in size, then after the first trimester of bearing a child, a woman is prescribed surgical treatment. An effective result of treatment of mammary fibroadenoma during pregnancy is shown and alternative remedies. But alternative drugs can not be used without the permission of a gynecologist. Here is one of the effective recipes for treatment: in equal parts, mix the dried chamomile flowers and the althaea root. Herbs should be poured with boiling water and insist. Means take on a spoon, three to four times a day.

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Breast cyst and pregnancy

Breast cyst and pregnancy are interrelated. The tumor appears due to the increase in sex hormones in the female body during the reorganization associated with pregnancy. Changing the hormonal background can occur not only because of pregnancy, but also because of endocrine system diseases, stresses and high loads. But, despite this, the cyst of the breast during pregnancy appears extremely rare.

If the cyst appeared, it does not affect the lactation process, but requires treatment. In the period of bearing a child with a cyst, a woman needs to follow an anti-estrogenic diet. The diet involves a rejection of fatty meat, sweets and fried. Since these foods increase cholesterol in the blood, which affects the level of estrogen and the growth of the cyst of the breast.

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Pregnancy and breast cancer

Pregnancy and breast cancer are diagnosed in many women. And this is not surprising, since hormonal changes in the body can provoke the appearance of cancer cells. But do not worry, early diagnosis of breast cancer is a pledge of a positive outcome of pregnancy and maternal health.

Many women experience breast cancer symptoms as hormonal changes in the body caused by the carrying of a child. To diagnose breast cancer in pregnant women is very difficult, because the breast increases in size, swells, and sometimes darkens. But if the chest has painful seals or it began to increase disproportionately, this is the first sign of the disease. That is why breast cancer is determined and begins to be treated already in the late stages.

Cancer of the breast does not pose a threat to the baby, as cancer cells can not enter the baby's body. As for the treatment of cancer during pregnancy, the most safe methods are used, in order not to destroy the immune system of the mother. But after giving birth, a woman is waiting for a serious treatment (chemotherapy or surgical removal of a cancerous tumor).

Pregnancy after breast cancer

Pregnancy after breast cancer in many women causes fear and panic. But do not go to extremes, because modern medicine allows a woman to give birth to a healthy baby after a breast cancer. In order for the pregnancy to be successful, it is necessary to constantly consult a gynecologist, perform ultrasound examination of the mammary glands and take tests for the presence of cancer cells.

The only danger that threatens in pregnancy after breast cancer is a relapse of the disease. If the immune system does not withstand hormonal adjustment and fails, that is, there is a cancer, then the woman is sent for abortion. Since in this case, the bearing of the child carries high risks for the life of the mother. To date, women who have had breast cancer have all the chances to endure and give birth to a healthy baby, but for this it is necessary to follow the instructions of a gynecologist, mammologist and oncologist.

Breast ultrasound in pregnancy

Ultrasound of the mammary glands during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to learn how hormonal changes take place in the female body. Ultrasound is performed before mammography and necessarily involves palpation to determine the seals. Ultrasound can detect the presence of harmless cysts and seals, which in future diagnosis can be cancerous tumors.

The mammary gland during pregnancy requires special attention. It is necessary to look after the breast properly and observe the changes taking place. If palpation feels painful seals, then the diagnosis of a mammologist and a gynecologist is necessary, since hormonal restructuring can cause a number of pathological diseases.

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