Breast tenderness during pregnancy is a very common thing. In fact, it is often one of the very first signs that you are pregnant. Breast tenderness simply refers to the soreness, swelling, and sensitivity that you feel in your breasts during pregnancy. Typically, this tenderness begins between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy, and continues through the first trimester. Most women will find that their breast tenderness disappears in the second and third trimesters, although you may notice that your breasts do feel sore from time to time throughout your pregnancy.

Some women have breast discomfort or pain right before their period, while for others, this starts during ovulation and continues until their period begins. It is common, however, for a woman's breasts to feel "bruised" or extremely sensitive right before menstruation. Often times, breast discomfort is caused by fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle (regardless if women are on the pill or not). Sometimes birth control pills are prescribed to help alleviate this achiness or tenderness. In addition, that bruised feeling can be a side effect of the pill.

Causes of Breast Tenderness during Pregnancy

The most common cause of breast tenderness is called fibrocystic breast changes. These changes are caused by the swelling of very tiny fluid-filled cysts in fibrous tissue in the breast. The changes usually happen 7 to 10 days before your menstrual period and go away when your period ends.

Breast tenderness during pregnancy and after conception can be caused by various factors. Most of the cases, unbalanced level of estrogen hormones is the main cause for breast tenderness during pregnancy and after conception.

You breast tissue will also begin to change. Milk ducts and milk-producing cells will begin to form, causing your breasts to grow and change shape. More layers of fat beneath will begin to develop under your breasts, which will likely cause your breasts to increase in size. All of these factors contribute to the tenderness, soreness, and swelling that you are experiencing.

Increased breast size. During early pregnancy, fat builds up in the breasts. The milk glands increase in size. By six weeks, your breasts may be noticeably larger-by as much as a full cup size or more. Your breasts may keep growing in both size and weight throughout the first three months of pregnancy.

The most common cause of breast tenderness is unbalanced amounts of estrogen hormone, maintaining a healthy hormone level is important to avoid this symptom. Take a look at the following articles, which explain the steps to take for controlling breast tenderness.

Leaking. By 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, some women find that their breasts are leaking a fluid. This is colostrum (the fluid that nourishes your baby for the first few days after delivery before your breasts start to make milk). The colostrum may leak on its own or may leak during breast massage or sexual arousal. Early in pregnancy, the colostrum is usually thick and yellow. As delivery approaches, it turns pale and nearly colorless.

Breast tissue will also begin to change. Milk ducts and milk-producing cells will begin to form, causing your breasts to grow and change shape. More layers of fat beneath will begin to develop under your breasts, which will likely cause your breasts to increase in size. All of these factors contribute to the tenderness, soreness, and swelling that you are experiencing.