Can pregnancy cause breast pain?

Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Pregnant women are very likely to experience breast pain, which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Symptoms like breast tenderness, sensitivity, and a stinging sensation usually appear within 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even before a pregnancy test can be taken. This is primarily because, to better support the growth of the fetus, the body produces more estrogen, stimulating the growth of mammary glands and causing breast pain. Of course, as the pregnancy progresses and hormone levels gradually stabilize, breast pain will be alleviated. Pregnant women should not be overly concerned. However, it is also important to remind pregnant women that while this breast pain might increase discomfort during pregnancy, it is usually bearable. If the breast pain becomes unbearable, it is still essential to visit a hospital for a check-up.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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What causes breast pain during menstruation?

The menstrual period is a time when female hormone levels fluctuate, which is the fundamental reason why most women experience breast pain during menstruation. Due to the fluctuation of hormone levels, there is an increase in breast tissue and edema in the interstitial tissue of the breast, ultimately causing the sensation of breast pain. If the breast pain during menstruation does not ease after the period, or if the pain is very severe, or even painful to touch, attention is needed. This is considered pathological breast pain, likely caused by breast disease, and could be related to breast hyperplasia, mastitis, or even breast tumors. It is necessary to consult a professional doctor for a breast diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
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Is it normal for breast tenderness to disappear in early pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, the changes in a woman's breasts are due to an increase in estrogen, which promotes the development of mammary ducts and the accumulation of fat, while progesterone promotes the development of mammary alveoli. Prolactin, growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, and epidermal growth factor also work together to differentiate stem cells into alveolar cells and myoepithelial cells. This often results in women noticing gradually enlarging breasts and feeling breast tenderness during physical examinations. Therefore, it is normal for women to experience breast tenderness in the affected areas, and the disappearance of this tenderness is also normal. If you are concerned, you can further visit a hospital for an examination to rule out any organic changes in the breast tissue. Follow the advice and proper diagnoses of doctors. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital for more information.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is it normal to have breast pain before menstruation?

Breast swelling and pain before menstruation are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This swelling and pain generally disappear after the onset of menstruation and are greatly related to emotional states. Therefore, it is important to maintain a relaxed mood, exercise regularly, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid overwork and staying up late to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Some people may become irritable, which can exacerbate the pain and swelling. Thus, breast swelling and pain are not normal, but they are also related to hormone secretion.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Is it useful to apply potato slices for breast pain?

Applying potato slices to breast swelling and pain is ineffective, as such discomfort often relates to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is commonly believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances leading to increased estrogen levels. Therefore, for the swelling and pain caused by hyperplasia, we generally use traditional Chinese medicine treatments. By employing methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, aligning the Chong and Ren meridians, pain relief can be achieved. Endocrine treatments are also available but generally avoided unless the pain is particularly severe before menopause, in which case they can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy is another option. Vitamins B, C, and E are known to improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nervous functions, serving as supplementary treatments for the condition. In recent years, vitamin E has also been recognized for its pain-relief properties. Proper diagnosis of breast swelling and pain also necessitates the use of color ultrasonography and mammography.

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Written by Zhang Lu
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Does an ectopic pregnancy cause breast tenderness in the early stages?

Ectopic pregnancy, as the name implies, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with common implantation sites including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the pelvic abdomen. Although an ectopic pregnancy is a pathological condition, it still falls within the category of pregnancy. Therefore, the common early pregnancy symptoms, such as those seen in early pregnancy, still occur in ectopic pregnancies. Whether it's an intrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy, breast pain during early pregnancy is common in most cases, primarily due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in women during early pregnancy. This leads to stimulation of the mammary glands and the proliferation of some mammary ducts, resulting in breast pain, which is normal. However, since the hormone levels in women with ectopic pregnancies are relatively lower, the sensation of breast pain is less than that in normal intrauterine pregnancies.