Why Breast Pain Is Common During Pregnancy and How to Find Relief

If you're experiencing breast pain during pregnancy, you are not alone. In fact, tender, sore boobs can be one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy, often starting just one to two weeks after conception.

But what causes breast pain during pregnancy, and, more importantly, how can you relieve it? Here's everything you need to know.

What Causes Breast Pain During Pregnancy?

For some people, sore boobs are one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, one study reports that it is the third most common pregnancy symptom, after nausea and fatigue. More than 76% of pregnant people experience breast pain or tenderness, often within the first two weeks after conception when pregnancy hormones first begin to surge.

After the egg is fertilized, your body begins to produce pregnancy hormones—namely estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin—that stimulate your breasts and cause the milk glands inside them to grow to prepare for their starring role in feeding your newborn.

What you're feeling is actually growing pains as your breasts prepare for lactation, and the discomfort may come and go over the course of your pregnancy. "Most people experience tissue swelling in the first trimester, which causes breasts to become sore and tender," says James E. Ferguson II, MD, professor and department chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. And all that ruckus in your chest can be blamed on your ever-changing body chemistry.

First, the pregnancy hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) cause an increase in blood volume throughout the body. This causes your breasts to plump up.

Next, hormones trigger changes in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, that give your nipples their color. Pale cells slough away, and darker ones rise to the surface, making your nipples more pronounced, which will ultimately help your baby see them more easily. "This could explain why some people experience sensitive nipples during pregnancy," says Sharon Phelan, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center School of Medicine.

Then, still more hormones signal the milk ducts in your breasts to activate around the third month of pregnancy. "Estrogen and progesterone made by the placenta promote the development of the ducts within the breast tissue," says Patrick Duff, MD, an OBGYN at the University of Florida, Gainesville. "The ducts get larger and begin to produce and store colostrum, the early form of breast milk," says Dr. Duff. This can cause your breasts to ache because those cells have to stretch out to make room.

Pregnancy-related breast changes start early and continue throughout pregnancy and postpartum. In the first trimester, estrogen causes milk ducts to expand and branch out until, by the twentieth week of pregnancy, mammary glands are fully developed to support milk production. Then, decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone in the third trimester and postpartum period allow for milk production.

All of these rapid changes can result in your breasts feeling rather uncomfortable—tender to the touch, prickly, heavy, and just plain sore. But luckily, the pain eases up as pregnancy progresses. "Most people get used to the discomfort after the first few weeks and don't even realize it when the pain goes away completely later in their pregnancy," says Dr. Phelan.

How to Relieve Breast Tenderness During Pregnancy

While breast soreness will more likely than not ease up as your pregnancy progresses, there are a few things you can do to help ease your discomfort.

• Wear a more supportive bra. Giving your breasts the support they need will help them feel better. Dr. Duff recommends getting properly fitted for a more supportive bra: "A full-coverage bra will be more supportive, by lifting up the breasts and taking pressure off the area." If you find it painful to go braless even at night, wearing a comfortable sleep bra to bed may help.
• Go for comfort. You may find that sizing up or switching to a sports bra helps. Some people also find that wires and certain fabrics like lace aggravate their already sensitive boobs. If your breasts are easily irritated, consider wireless, seamless options in soft fabrics.
• Create a "no touch" zone. In most cases, touching and adding pressure will only make matters worse. Treat your pregnancy breasts with care until soreness eases up.
• Opt for loose-fitting clothes. As your breasts expand during pregnancy, clingy tops might become more constricting than cute—and inside seams could aggravate sensitive breasts. Stick with flowy clothing that won't rub or irritate.
• Try a cold compress. Cold therapy can do wonders for early pregnancy breast pain. The cold can help numb the achiness and tame sensitivity. Lay a towel over your chest and apply an ice pack to the area. A frozen bag of peas works well!
• Take warm showers. Not everyone responds to cold therapy, so if you don't find relief from an ice pack, try spending some time in a steamy shower. "The heat could help relax surrounding muscles and ease tension," says Dr. Duff.
• Ask a health care provider about medication. If drug-free methods aren't cutting it and the pain is really getting to you, ask your health care provider about taking a pregnancy-safe over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen).

What Causes Breast Pain After Pregnancy?

You thought you'd finally escape breast pain now that pregnancy is over; sadly, this is not the case. Most people will have full, rock-hard, and painful breasts when their milk comes in, usually starting three or four days after giving birth.

This is known as postpartum breast engorgement, and it is normal and often very uncomfortable. Engorgement most commonly occurs in the early postpartum phase, when your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk, but it can also happen later if there is a sudden change in how often you nurse or pump. Some people will also experience breast pain or discomfort during breastfeeding and may also experience breastfeeding-related problems like nipple thrush, mastitis, or sore, cracked nipples.

How Long After Giving Birth Will Breast Pain Last?

Pregnancy-related breast sensitivity typically eases up as pregnancy progresses. After giving birth, breast pain can begin again when your milk "comes in" causing engorgement. The good news is that engorgement will go away on its own when you pump or nurse or after your body determines how much milk to make and milk production evens out. Pain during feeding or pumping also tends to sort itself out with time (especially with the support of a lactation consultant), but if the pain is persistent, you can and should see your doctor.