For every potential mother recognizing the possible signs of being pregnant is essential to a healthy pregnancy, planning, and peace of mind. While swollen, tender breasts can be nothing more than a symptom of PMS, they can also be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Learn why breast soreness occurs and if it may be a reason to go out and buy a pregnancy test.
Breast Soreness in Pregnancy
When does breast soreness start in pregnancy? What causes swollen, tender breasts? Swollen and even painful breasts can occur as early as one week after conception, although some women may not experience this symptom until four to six weeks, or not at all. The feeling is similar to the sensitivity and slight soreness before the menstrual cycle.
This change, like many of the typical first signs of pregnancy, is due to a shift in hormones. More blood flows to the breasts and tissue begins to change, in preparation for their vital role nine months down the road.
Does this symptom last throughout the duration of pregnancy? Tender, swollen breasts, if they do occur, are likely to exist for the first trimester, which ends 12 weeks after the first day of the last period. However, by eight weeks, breasts will start growing larger, nipples may increase in size and harden, and veins may appear against the surface of the skin. Throughout pregnancy breasts will continue to swell, but they will not remain tender and painful beyond the first three months. The best solution for increased tenderness and breast size is a comfortable, supportive bra.
What are the Signs of Pregnancy?
Aside from swollen, tender breasts, what are other possible early signs of pregnancy? Does breast soreness alone warrant a trip to the doctor's office or are there other telltale symptoms?
The following are some of the most common first signs of pregnancy, although women may experience them at different times, and some women experience few, or any symptoms.
- missed cycle, although light bleeding is possible during pregnancy
- nausea
- headaches
- fatigue
- backache
- spotting and cramping from implantation bleeding
- food cravings
- darker areolas
Other Potential Causes of Swollen Tender Breasts
Could swollen, tender breasts be an indicator of anything else? Factors which contribute to hormonal changes can lead to breast soreness. This includes pregnancy, PMS, the use of birth control pills, menopause, and some medications. Painful breasts can be a side effect of breast cancer, although in this case they are a late sign rather than an early indicator.
If pregnancy is possible, or even likely, swollen, tender breasts are a good reason to purchase an over-the-counter pregnancy test, especially if accompanied by a missed period or any of the other first signs of pregnancy. They are not necessarily a symptom however, as there are so many other potential causes.
References:
"Breast changes during pregnancy." (Baby Center)
"Pregnancy Symptoms — Early Signs of Pregnancy." (Babies Online)
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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