1. Support Tender Breasts
Tender breasts during pregnancy, caused by increased levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, is a common complaint of pregnant women. For many women, coping with tender, painful and swollen breasts during pregnancy starts with a supportive bra. Look for a soft cup bra without any underwires (such as a pregnancy bra) that fits you well and feels comfortable. You may even choose to purchase and wear a nursing bra to help you cope with tender breasts during your pregnancy. Keep your breasts well supported in a bra during the day and even at night while you are asleep. Having your breasts contained in a comfortable and supportive bra will ease your discomfort.
2. Soothe Breasts With Lanolin
Apply a lanolin cream, such as Lansinoh, to sore and tender breasts during pregnancy. As the breasts grow and swell during pregnancy, they may begin to feel itchy or even dry and cracked. If this happens to you, Lansinoh cream applied to the nipple area of the breast and to other areas of tender breast tissue can help. Use the Lansinoh cream liberally and as needed during your pregnancy.
3. Take Pain Medication if Necessary
If your breasts feel extremely tender and sore, pain medication, such as Tylenol, can help relieve some of the pain. Take Tylenol as directed on the package to help you cope with tender breasts and minimize breast pain and discomfort. Be sure to ask your doctor for advice in regards to taking any medications during your pregnancy.
4. Soak in a Warm Bath
Take a warm and relaxing bath to help you cope with tender breasts during pregnancy. Allow the warm water to flow over your tender breasts to ease your discomfort. Be sure to keep the temperature of your bath water below 100 degrees F, as bathing in water above 100 degrees F is unhealthy during a pregnancy. Alternatively, a stream of warm water from a shower over your breasts can also help ease discomfort and breast tenderness.
5. Cool Your Breasts Down
As breasts grow and swell during pregnancy, they may feel hot to the touch or they may cause you to feel a burning sensation. To cope with this, consider applying a cool washcloth or an ice pack to your breasts. This will help cool your breasts down and help you cope with the discomfort of warm, tender breasts.
