What Are Normal Breast Changes in Pregnancy? Should I Still Do Cancer Checks?

Pregnancy brings with it a wealth of physical changes, and one of the most noticeable areas of change occurs in the breasts. These changes can be startling, particularly for first-time mums-to-be, but many are perfectly normal and expected. That said, it’s important to differentiate between the normal changes that occur during pregnancy and any signs that might suggest a more serious issue, like breast cancer.

A common question many women have is whether it’s still safe or necessary to continue with breast cancer self-exams and clinical breast exams during pregnancy. In this article, we’ll delve into the normal antenatal breast changes you might experience and offer guidance on whether breast cancer checks should still be part of your routine as part of antenatal care.

Normal Breast Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body is undergoing significant hormonal changes that affect many aspects of your physical health, including your breasts. These changes can begin as early as the first trimester and continue throughout your pregnancy. Below, we’ll outline some common breast changes during pregnancy and discuss why they occur.

1. Breast Tenderness and Enlargement

One of the first signs that your body is preparing for pregnancy is the change in your breasts. Your antenatal care team will likely discuss these changes at your first antenatal appointment. You may notice that your breasts feel fuller, heavier, and more tender. This is due to the increased blood flow to the area and the growing milk glands, which are preparing to nourish your baby once born.

By the second trimester, your breasts may continue to grow as the body prepares for lactation. The tender feeling you experience can range from mild discomfort to more noticeable soreness. This is completely normal, though it can sometimes cause frustration, especially when you’re trying to sleep or wear a bra.

2. Changes in Nipple Appearance

Alongside the swelling and tenderness, many women notice a change in the appearance of their nipples. The areolas, or the darker skin surrounding your nipples, often darken and can become more pronounced during pregnancy. Some women also notice the appearance of small bumps on their areolas, which are called Montgomery glands. These glands are responsible for secreting oils that help lubricate and protect the nipples as your body prepares for breastfeeding.

These nipple changes are entirely normal and are part of the body’s preparations for the act of breastfeeding.

3. Visible Veins

As your blood volume increases during pregnancy, you may notice that the veins in your breasts become more visible. This happens because the blood vessels are expanding to carry more blood to the growing breast tissue. This change is often noticeable in women with fair skin, though it can happen regardless of skin tone. The veins may appear blue or purple and are usually harmless. However, if you notice any hard lumps in the breast along with visible veins, it’s important to consult your doctor to rule out other potential issues.

4. Changes in Breast Texture

During pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts become increasingly lumpy or textured. These changes can be attributed to the growth of milk ducts and glands. This is normal and a sign that your body is preparing for the important task of breastfeeding. However, it’s always important to be aware of any unusual changes, especially if you feel any hard lumps or masses that don’t go away after pregnancy.

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s also common to notice some skin changes in the breasts, such as stretch marks. These can occur as the skin expands to accommodate your growing breasts. While stretch marks are generally harmless, they can be itchy, so moisturising regularly might help alleviate some discomfort.

5. Leaking Colostrum

In the third trimester, some women may notice a yellowish, sticky substance leaking from their nipples. This is colostrum, the first form of milk produced by the breasts. It’s packed with nutrients and antibodies that will help protect your baby in the first few days after birth. Colostrum production is completely normal and is a sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding.

Should I Still Do Cancer Checks During Pregnancy?

Given the normal breast changes that occur during pregnancy, many women may wonder whether it’s still safe and necessary to perform breast cancer checks or attend antenatal appointments where breast checks might be included. While pregnancy can bring many physical changes, it’s important to continue to monitor your breast health.

Self-Exams During Pregnancy

Performing regular breast self-exams during pregnancy is still important, even though your breasts may feel different than they did before pregnancy. Breast self-exams help you become familiar with the normal texture of your breasts, so you can more easily detect any changes that might be cause for concern.

It’s important to be gentle when performing a self-exam during pregnancy, as your breasts may be more sensitive. Use the pads of your fingers to gently feel for any lumps or abnormalities, paying attention to any hard lumps, changes in shape, or unusual pain that doesn’t go away. Make sure to examine the entire breast, including the armpit area where lymph nodes are present.

While it’s normal for pregnant breasts to feel lumpy, you should still seek medical advice if you feel any lump that doesn’t feel like the rest of the breast tissue, especially if it persists or changes in size.

Clinical Breast Exams and Mammograms

In the UK, antenatal care includes routine checkups, and a clinical breast exam may be part of your pregnancy checkups. Your midwife or doctor will often check for any unusual signs during your appointments. However, mammograms are not typically performed during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a doctor. This is because the radiation from a mammogram may not be advisable during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

That said, if you have a family history of breast cancer or are concerned about any changes in your breasts, speak to your doctor or midwife. They can guide you on the next steps, which might include additional screenings or an ultrasound if necessary.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most breast changes during pregnancy are normal, there are instances when you should contact your antenatal clinic or healthcare provider for further advice. These include:

Persistent or unusual lumps: If you feel a lump that doesn’t go away after pregnancy or changes in size, it’s important to get it checked by your healthcare provider.

Skin changes: If your skin becomes red, inflamed, or unusually itchy around your breasts, this could signal an infection or other issue that needs attention.

Pain: If you experience severe or constant pain that doesn’t feel like typical breast tenderness or discomfort, it’s worth having it assessed.

Discharge: If you notice unusual discharge from the nipple, particularly if it is bloody or not related to breastfeeding, contact your doctor immediately.

Staying Healthy with Antenatal Care

Remember that throughout your pregnancy, it’s essential to attend your antenatal appointments to stay on top of both your physical and mental health. Your antenatal care team will guide you through any necessary tests, exams, and screenings to ensure the health of both you and your baby.

During your antenatal checkups, your doctor or midwife will check for any concerning changes in your breast health. They may also provide tips for managing any discomfort you experience, such as offering advice on bras that provide extra support or suggesting antenatal massage to ease breast tenderness.

Maintaining your antenatal support is crucial, as regular medical checks ensure that you stay healthy and can address any concerns early on. It also allows you to receive antenatal vitamins, which can support your overall health and ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs for both you and your baby.

Breast changes during pregnancy are a normal part of the journey, and most of them are harmless. From tenderness and swelling to visible veins and colostrum production, your body is preparing for the amazing process of childbirth and breastfeeding. While these changes can feel overwhelming, they are usually not cause for concern.

However, it’s still important to monitor your breast health during pregnancy. Regular breast self-exams, attending antenatal appointments, and staying in contact with your healthcare provider about any unusual symptoms will ensure that you stay on top of your health. If you notice any concerning signs, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice and support.

By maintaining a routine of self-care and antenatal care, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy and worry-free pregnancy, knowing you are taking the best possible steps to ensure the health of both you and your baby.