Tender and enlarged breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Sometimes your breasts may feel so painful that you can’t bear them to be touched, or even accidentally brushed against. They may also throb or feel hot. These sensations are a sign that your breasts are getting ready to feed your baby. Milk-producing cells and ducts are growing rapidly, and blood flow is increasing.

Breast tenderness usually eases around the middle of pregnancy.

What can I do about it?

• Wear a good supporting bra. At night you may feel more comfortable wearing a sleep bra.
• Check the fit of your bras. Your breasts may grow very quickly and you may need to increase your bra size several times. Make sure your bras are not too tight, and there are no seams or bones digging into your breasts.
• Gently massage your breasts – but take care. The delicate tissue may bruise very easily.
• If your breasts feel hot, put a cold flannel or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel over them.

• Some women find that their breasts feel more comfortable if they avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola).
• Tell your midwife or doctor if any swollen, red, particularly painful patches appear on your breasts.

Revised by babyworld midwife, Hannah Hulme Hunter November 2000.