Do breasts become sore during pregnancy?

Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
Updated on January 02, 2025
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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.

Other Voices

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

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 Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
36sec home-news-image

Why are breasts painful and swollen before menstruation?

Premenstrual breast pain is a common symptom among women and is considered a normal physiological response. It mainly occurs due to the increase in estrogen levels in the body seven to ten days before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and enlargement, causing discomfort that makes the breasts sensitive to touch. There is no need for excessive concern as breast pain caused by hyperplasia is normal. Generally, the condition improves after menstruation and does not require special treatment. If the pain is severe, applying heat can help alleviate it.

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.

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home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
54sec home-news-image

Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain, what's wrong?

Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain are considered to be caused by fibrocystic breast changes. The symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include cyclic swelling and pain in the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. It may manifest as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, or prickling and painful sensations, and can extend to the shoulders, upper arms, or thoracic regions. Few patients may experience nipple discharge. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are firm but not hard, can be felt in one or both breasts. Sometimes these lumps are tender, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are indistinct, but they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Regular follow-up with breast ultrasound is advisable.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What should I do if my period is 10 days late and my breasts are sore?

What should I do if my menstrual period is delayed by 10 days and I have breast pain? For many women, besides dysmenorrhea, there are many discomforts during menstruation. Many young and middle-aged women experience breast swelling and pain before and after menstruation. Is this normal? Many women worry that this is a sign of a pathological change in their breasts. Generally speaking, this kind of cyclical swelling or stabbing pain that appears as the menstrual cycle approaches, and then eases or disappears after the onset of menstruation, is mostly due to changes in hormones in the body and is a normal physiological condition that does not require treatment. Of course, if the pain is severe, it is necessary to visit a hospital promptly.