Do your breasts get sore or tender when you are pregnant? There are many causes for this, but it can be helped by finding out why they are sore and tender. Your doctor will probably explain to you that it is normal for your breasts to get sore and tender during pregnancy, but if they become more painful or irritated, then it may be something serious that you should watch for.
The most common cause of sore nipples during pregnancy is a rupture in one of your milk ducts. When the duct bursts open, it releases a liquid that can damage the nipple. It may even leave a scar that will last for years. This is why it is important to have your milk ducts regularly tested by your doctor, especially if you are breastfeeding your baby. You can usually do this during your prenatal visit.
Soreness or tenderness of your breasts may also be caused by infections or irritation. You can treat either condition safely and effectively at home. An over-the-counter cream called calamine can help to relieve the pain. However, if it does not stop the pain, make sure you get your doctor’s advice right away. Antibiotics are another option, but many doctors do not recommend taking them during pregnancy.
Another cause of pain is nipple stenosis. This is when the areola (the black area surrounding the nipple) becomes smaller than the surrounding skin. This can be caused by a cyst or benign (non-cancerous) growth that has formed in the breast duct. It can also be caused by a fracture or other injury.
The treatment for breast tenderness sore nipples during pregnancy will depend on the cause. If you have a cyst or benign growth in the breast duct, surgery may be needed to remove it. In rare instances, a breast lift may be needed to remove fat from around the nipple area. If there is no cyst or other issue with the milk duct, it will likely heal itself in time. However, if you continue to have pain, it is best to consult your doctor.
Medications, such as ibuprofen, can help to alleviate breast tenderness sore nipples during pregnancy. However, these are typically used to treat pain or inflammation and are not designed to prevent damage to the milk duct or prevent milk duct blockage. These types of medications should not be taken by women who are already experiencing severe pain or bleeding in the area. They can actually make the problem worse, causing excessive swelling and bleeding. Make sure you check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication, particularly if you already have a condition that affects the stomach or intestines.
If breast implant surgery has been performed and the milk duct does not close naturally, there may be a problem. For this surgery, doctors place silicone gels in the milk duct, which makes the duct closed again. Surgical removal of the implants may also be necessary if the milk duct does not close naturally, or if the implant material is malformable, which could result in a breast implant leakage. However, this surgery is considered to be more of a cosmetic than a medical procedure, and usually does not interfere with the baby’s ability to produce milk.
If you are experiencing breast tenderness sore nipples during pregnancy, you should contact your doctor immediately. Do not delay treatment. Left untreated, this can have serious long term effects on your child. Not only could the breasts develop blood clots, but also they can become infected with cancer cells. Your doctor may recommend that you wait to give birth until the symptoms subside, but it is always better to be safe than sorry!