Keep Abreast Of The Situation

Breasts epitomise a woman’s femininity. They come in different shapes and size, accentuating the uniqueness of each woman. Pregnancy changes the shape and size of a woman’s breasts, and breastfeeding can help to protect women from the onset of breast cancer.

- Sr Burgie Ireland 

Breast and nipple care is often overlooked during pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife should check your breasts and advice you on how to prepare them for breastfeeding, especially if you have had any form of breast surgery, such as a reduction or enlargement, treatment for cancer or an abscess. Chronic medication for epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension or anti-depressants may affect breastfeeding. Women who are HIV positive can breastfeed providing they are taking ARVs (Anti-retroviral) medication. 

DURING PREGNANCY

By the middle of the first trimester of pregnancy, your breasts will become fuller, which is why they also become sensitive and tender to touch. They may become lumpy due to the pregnancy hormones oestrogen and progesterone, made by the placenta, preparing the breast ducts and ‘milk-producing lobes’. All women have between 15 and 20 of these ducts arranged like orange segments around the breast. These converge into 6 or 10 ‘milk reservoirs’ just under the nipple areola. Increased blood supply to the breasts will make the veins more visible.

You will notice a change in the appearance of your nipples during the second trimester. An increased supply of blood to the area causes them to increase in size; in some cases, this can be up to double the original size, and they can remain this way after the delivery. The nipple and areola also darken with the increase of blood flow, and there is more growth and development of the duct system in the breast tissue.