Can pregnancy cause breast pain?

Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
1min 11sec home-news-image

Can breast distension and pain be treated with moxibustion?

Breast distension pain can be treated with moxibustion, but the results might not always be satisfactory as breast distension pain is related to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is believed to be connected to increased estrogen levels caused by endocrine disorders. Generally, we use traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, which relieves pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, and harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatment is also an option but is used as sparingly as possible. However, it can be administered before menstrual onset in cases where pain is significantly pronounced in the pre-menopausal phase. Regular pelvic ultrasound re-examinations must be conducted during endocrine treatment due to the increased risk of endometrial cancer that this treatment might entail. Treatment with vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E can also be used, as they aid in improving liver function, regulating sex hormone metabolism, and enhancing autonomic nervous system functions, serving as adjunctive medication for this condition. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Yang
Breast Surgery
29sec home-news-image

What should I do if my breasts are swollen, painful, and not producing milk?

Breast engorgement and blocked milk flow can be attributed to the accumulation of milk. The simplest method to alleviate this is by clearing the milk ducts. You can either allow the baby to nurse more frequently or use a breast pump to assist. The most effective solution is to seek help from a lactation consultant or a professional medical practitioner to clear the ducts through milk expression. Both manual expression and nursing the baby are the best methods to relieve engorgement pain.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
1min 12sec home-news-image

Do breasts become sore during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, one may experience breast pain, particularly in the early stages. The hormonal changes in a woman's body, including an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, can lead to this discomfort. This pain generally eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. As long as the prenatal check-ups are within the normal range, it should be fine. However, if the discomfort is severe, it could be indicative of an abnormal condition that requires prompt medical examination. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to rest adequately, relax, and keep in good spirits. One should avoid getting cold and focus on staying warm. Dietary considerations include avoiding raw, cold, spicy, or pungent foods, and refraining from smoking or excessive drinking. Opt for light and nutritionally balanced meals instead, and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also necessary to continue taking folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What causes breast pain after menopause?

When experiencing delayed menstruation and symptoms of breast tenderness, the first consideration should be related to pregnancy. As long as there has been sexual activity, whether contraception was used or not, a pregnancy test should be conducted. However, not all cases of ceased menstruation and breast tenderness are related to pregnancy; some people may experience these symptoms before their period, which can only be differentiated by medical examination. If menstruation has stopped for two weeks and pregnancy is still ruled out upon re-examination, then intervention should be considered. An ultrasound should be performed. For some, symptoms of breast tenderness may be related to staying up late, excessive stress, the tightness of bras, or breast hyperplasia, among other factors.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
46sec home-news-image

What to do about breast pain from a biochemical pregnancy?

After experiencing a biochemical pregnancy, if the patient has symptoms such as breast tenderness, there is no need to worry too much. As the hormone levels decrease, the symptoms of breast tenderness will gradually ease. If the symptoms are significant, they can be alleviated through local heat application, massage, or other physical therapy methods. If necessary, it is also possible to visit a hospital and, under the guidance of a doctor, take some medications for treatment. During this time, it is important to rest, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid overworking and staying up late, enhance nutrition, and avoid raw, cold, and spicy stimulating foods. The diet should be light and nutritious.