By the third trimester, one of the biggest changes you’d notice — other than your growing bump — is in your breasts. The last few weeks of pregnancy make your boobs especially heavy and sore as your body prepares for breastfeeding. The hormone prolactin is to blame for your third trimester pains and growing breasts. It stimulates milk production, so your milk supply can be ready once your baby is born.
Breast Changes During The Third Trimester
Other than tender feeling breasts, there might be a few other things you may notice with your breasts. These are the normal breast changes to expect:
- Nipples aches and tingles. Your nipples might protrude and pop more than usual. In some instances, they may also feel sore and painful.
- Your areolas are darker. The dark area around the nipple is the areola. On the last trimester, they might look darker, bigger, and may even be spottier.
- Veins showing up. The highway of veins leading to your nipple can become visible on the last trimester.
Amazingly, the reason behind the most common breast pains is because your breasts are already starting to produce some milk! The first few drops of milk that your breasts produce are actually the most powerful one. The colostrum or the early milk contains special antibodies that can protect your baby from all kinds of infections and diseases.
Coping Up With Third Trimester Pains in the Breasts
Here’s the good news, there are many natural and practical ways to relieve your aching and sore breasts! Try these relief techniques to help you cope up with the third-trimester breast pains:
- Find a good maternity and nursing bra. Stop wearing your regular bras. Maternity and nursing bras are designed to give you the best comfort. The right bra will have good support, a wide band under the cups, wide shoulder straps, and adjustable closure.
- Use breast pads. These can help shield your nipples from uncomfortably rubbing against your clothing.
- Try products that provide hot and cold therapy. This is the best way to provide instant relief to sore and tender breasts.
- Apply organic nipple balms or creams. Your breasts might feel dry and stretched. Nipple balms and creams will help restore moisture to your nipples.
When To Seek Your Doctor
Breast tenderness and discomforts at the end of your pregnancy is completely normal. However, if it starts to feel more severe or if accompanied by a red skin rash, this has to be evaluated by your doctor. Breast infections can happen when the milk ducts become plugged or clogged. Infections as such should be treated as soon as possible.
Call your health providers to seek advice.
