Do breasts become sore before pregnancy?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on May 11, 2025

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Before pregnancy, women can also experience breast pain and swelling. This happens because, before pregnancy, the female body begins to secrete hormones during ovulation, increasing their levels, which then stimulates the mammary glands, causing breast proliferation and congestion of the mammary glands. Therefore, during pregnancy, this breast pain and swelling phenomenon can worsen. However, experiencing breast pain and swelling does not necessarily indicate pregnancy; it could also be a phenomenon occurring after ovulation and before menstruation. Before pregnancy, due to the influence of the ovulation period, some women may experience swelling of the breasts and proliferation of the mammary glands, or pain caused by lumps in the mammary glands. In such cases, further observation is needed for a few more days, and after having intercourse for half a month, or if menstruation is delayed, a pregnancy test using an early pregnancy test strip is suggested.

Other Voices

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao

Breast Health Department

1min 7sec

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Can breast swelling and pain be breast cancer?

The causes of breast pain are primarily divided into physiological and pathological breast pain. Physiological breast pain is often caused by changes in the body's hormones, wearing inappropriate underwear, too tight bras, miscarriage, or hormonal changes before menstruation. This type of breast pain has a certain regularity and recurs cyclically; careful observation can usually identify the cause and solution on its own. Pathological breast pain refers to pain caused by breast diseases. The nature of the pain is diverse and irregular, constituting non-cyclical pain. Diseases that can cause this type of breast pain include mastitis, fibrocystic breast changes, breast trauma, or breast cancer. However, early-stage breast cancer generally does not cause noticeable pain; pain associated with breast cancer typically occurs in the later stages when the cancer affects nerves. Therefore, if you experience breast pain, do not rush to conclusions. Whether it is physiological, pathological, or induced by other diseases requires a doctor's diagnosis.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

54sec

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The difference between breast prickling pain and swelling pain.

Breast tingling and soreness are no different; they are both manifestations of breast hyperplasia. The main symptoms of breast hyperplasia include cyclic swelling and pain in the breast, which often appear or worsen before menstruation and diminish or disappear after menstruation. Mild cases may not be noticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and some may experience soreness in one or both breasts, or needle-like pain, which can extend to the shoulders, upper limbs, or chest and back area. A few patients may have nipple discharge, with the color of the discharge ranging from yellow, brown, or bloody. The duration of the condition can sometimes be lengthy, but symptoms typically alleviate or disappear automatically after menopause.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 4sec

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What's going on with breast swelling, pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Generally considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can confirm the diagnosis through breast ultrasound or mammography, paying attention to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Breast hyperplasia is characterized by cyclic swelling and pain of the breasts, often occurring or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may go unnoticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclic changes, and symptoms might present as unilateral or bilateral breast pain or pinprick-like sensation, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or the chest-back area. A few patients may experience nipple discharge. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms generally disappear or lessen after menopause. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, firm but not hard, may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes tender when touched.

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Written by Wang Xiu Mei

Obstetrics

1min 12sec

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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.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 12sec

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Should I use cold or hot compress for breast pain?

For breast tenderness, we generally choose hot compresses to reduce pain. For the occurrence of mammary gland hyperplasia, it is recommended to use medication for symptomatic treatment, which may include traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment involves soothing the liver and regulating qi, and balancing the thoroughfare and conception vessels to alleviate pain. Endocrine treatments are also an option, but they are ideally avoided if possible. However, for significant pain during the pre-menopausal period, medication can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin treatments with vitamins B, C, and E, which help improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve functions, can be used as adjunctive medications for this condition. Vitamin E also has pain-relieving properties. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, localized lesions in part of the breast, noticeable lumps after menstruation or dense shadows or microcalcifications on a mammographic film, a biopsy or a Mammotome rotational excision procedure should be performed, and surgical treatment may be necessary if required.