For many women, changes in their breasts are among the first signs of pregnancy. Other women go through much of their pregnancy without any breast-related symptoms whatsoever. If you're among those who notice tender -- and possibly slightly swollen -- breasts during your pregnancy, there are a few things you can do to treat your symptoms.
Easing Breast Pain
Step 1
Schedule a bra fitting. Pregnancy isn't the time to try to save money on bras or to value form over function. As your breasts swell and become more sensitive, you'll want to package them carefully. AmericanPregnancy.org suggests you look for a bra with wide shoulder straps and a closure mechanism that adjusts to accommodate growth as your pregnancy progresses. You may wish to avoid underwire bras, looking instead for full-coverage cups and a wide band around your chest; these features render underwires unnecessary and offer more support without impinging on circulation the way underwires can do. You'll likely experience significant breast growth during pregnancy, and may need to buy a bra with a bigger cup size in your third trimester. You may also want to wear a bra to sleep, as it will help minimize breast movement and related discomfort. Special sleep bras pull on over your head so that you don't have a clasp behind you if you sleep on your back.
Step 2
Use a hot or cold pack, suggests Medline Plus. Ice packs can help numb the breast tissue and may temporarily reduce the sensation of swollen, tender breasts. Heat, on the other hand, increases circulation. It may increase swelling, but it might also feel relaxing. Don't fall asleep on a heating pad, however, as you can sustain burns to your sensitive breast skin.
Step 3
Avoid trigger foods. Breast pain and tenderness in early pregnancy is similar to what you experience before your period; and both relate to increasing hormone levels. You may retain water during early pregnancy, which can contribute to breast pain and swelling. Medline Plus recommends avoiding large quantities of salt to help reduce your water retention. You may also want to avoid caffeine, which is a trigger for breast tenderness in some women. Exercising can help you to lose excess water, but wear a supportive bra and talk to your obstetrician before you exercise about appropriate levels of exertion. Drinking plenty of water, counterintuitive though it may seem, actually encourages your body to retain less fluid, so it can help to ease breast pain.
Step 4
Talk to your obstetrician about taking a pregnancy-safe analgesic. Most obstetricians won't allow you to take ibuprofen or aspirin during pregnancy, but you might get permission to use acetaminophen -- the pharmaceutical sold under the brand name Tylenol -- for your pregnancy aches and pains. Drugs.com notes that acetaminophen is used relatively commonly in pregnancy and appears to be safe. Your obstetrician can provide you with appropriate guidelines for use.
Things You'll Need
- Heating pad
- Ice
- Acetaminophen
- Well-fitted bras
