How Your Breasts Change During Pregnancy

You may have heard that one of the first pregnancy symptoms many women have is changes in their breast tissue. It is true that your breasts will respond to you being pregnant by changing in preparation for breastfeeding.

What do will your breasts feel like during pregnancy? Most pregnant people say that their breasts feel heavy and sensitive while they are pregnant, particularly early on (and it's not always a bad thing!).

Here are some other common breast changes that might happen during your pregnancy.

Common Breast Changes During Pregnancy

Sore Breasts

Early in the first trimester, you might notice that your breasts are sore or tender. For some people, this is also a sign of an impending period—meaning it might go unnoticed.

How tender your breasts are can vary. You might experience slight tenderness when you touch your breasts or might have severe pain whenever you wear a bra. Both variants are normal and are usually most intense in the first trimester.

Tender breasts are one reason people sometimes prefer to avoid sex during their first trimester. While sex during pregnancy is safe, if you have discomfort you might want to avoid having your nipples touched.

Nipple Changes

Your nipples may get larger and darker as your pregnancy progresses. You might also notice small, goosebump or pimple-like white areas on your areola. These are called Montgomery's tubercles and they are completely normal.

Larger Breasts 

Toward the end of the first trimester and the beginning of the second trimester, you might notice your breasts begin to grow as the tissues prepare for nursing.

By the end of your pregnancy, make sure you have been fitted for a nursing bra that can accommodate larger breasts. This will ensure your comfort. You might want to look for a special sleep bra as well.

Leaking Colostrum and Discharge

Colostrum is the first milk that your body makes and it provides your newborn with everything they need at the start of life. Colostrum can boost your baby's immune system and help prevent jaundice.

At the end of your pregnancy, you might find that your breasts are leaking a gold-colored fluid. Your nipples might also develop a film or caked substance. All of these fluids are colostrum (which is sometimes called "liquid gold" both because of its color and many benefits to babies).

If the leaking is noticeable or bothersome, a breast pad can help you feel more comfortable. If you use breast pads, make sure that they are breathable. You don't want to leave your nipples in a moist environment—a prime place for thrush or a yeast infection to develop.

When No Breast Changes Are Present 

Some people only have slight or no symptoms of breast changes when they are pregnant. If you are one of these people, don't panic. It has nothing to do with your ability to have a successful pregnancy.

In some cases, your doctor might want to find out if you have something called insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) or breast hypoplasia.

If you are worried about the changes that are occurring (or not) in your breasts, talk to your midwife or doctor about this and insist on a breast exam. This will help them identify any potential issues and treat them before your baby is born, if possible.

A Word From Verywell

Changing breasts are a normal part of pregnancy, but each person's experience will be different. As your body prepares for your baby, the changes that take place in the tissues of your breast will ensure you are ready to provide your newborn with what they need to thrive in the first days of life should you choose to breastfeed.

Learning to cope with these changes—both those that are physical and those that are to do with your wardrobe— is part of having a positive pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your breasts at any time, whether you are pregnant or not, talk to your doctor.