During pregnancy, women begin to experience some bodily changes that may last post-child-birth also. Changes in breast shape and size are also evident after delivery, which are called structural changes. In case, women experience some unusual and serious changes in breast post-childbirth, they must consult with the doctor for correction and treatment.
What happens to the breasts during pregnancy?
Breast changes are typically one of the first signs of pregnancy. Tenderness in the nipple and breast, as well as an increase in breast size, are possible symptoms. This differs from one woman to the next. You might notice a significant change in the size of your breasts or none at all. Breasts that have grown in size may feel heavy and tender. The breast tissue extends into the armpit, and some women have extra breast tissue (accessory breast tissue) under the arm, which may grow in size as well.
Breast changes after birth
Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically after childbirth. Colostrum is diluted by additional fluid around the third or fourth day after birth, making it appear much whiter. The breasts will begin to leak milk around this time.
Let’s check the breast changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
10 breast changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding
1. Asymmetrical Breasts after pregnancy
This happens due to an uneven percentage of breast tissues on one side, which also impacts hormone secretion making difference too wide. The irregular size may be more evident after pregnancy and childbirth.
2. Growth in Breast Size after pregnancy
During pregnancy, breast size grows and that continues to grow even after childbirth. This happens due to dietary changes of expecting and lactating mothers along with hormonal changes that continue to impact the mother’s body in several ways.
3. Sagging breasts after pregnancy
The sagginess in the breast is one of the most prominent changes after pregnancy, which may impact the body image and self-esteem of a woman. Various factors such as skin elasticity, breast tissue development, and overall weight gain play a key role in the sagginess of the breast.
You can also read -> 8 tips for a breast lift after pregnancy and breastfeeding
4. Abscess breast
Generally, this happens after mastitis and is defined by the formation of a pus lump in the breast. This can be stopped by treating mastitis before it gets worse. The abscess may become painful and make breastfeeding unhygienic for the child due to pus lump formation.
5. Bumpy Nipples after pregnancy
From the onset of pregnancy, the areolas present on the breasts tend to become darker along with protruding of the nipple as well as the development of tiny spots around the nipple. These changes occur to enable the baby, with underdeveloped senses and poor eyesight, easily spot the feeding section.
6. Engorged and Achy Breasts after pregnancy
Nominal growth in the breast is evident, but some mothers may have engorged breast size, which may develop beyond a comfortable size. Speedy lactation after delivery causes breasts to be overfilled with milk, which in turn stress them and tend to ache even.
7. Stretch Marks on Breasts after pregnancy
Besides tummy stretch marks, some women can also get stretch marks on their breasts, which could be a hereditary issue. Elastic skin may tend to stretch and relax very quickly, making stretch marks more visible with weight gain.
8. Blocked Milk Ducts
Sometimes milk ducts seem to be obstructed, despite regular lactation, which is caused by wearing an inadequate size bra. Women who continue to use underwire bras even after childbirth might experience blockage of milk ducts.
9. Mastitis Breast after pregnancy
With changes appearing in the breast including the darker areola, prominent nipples and tiny spots on the breast after delivery, a bright red spot on the breast also appear that may cause pain and inflammation. This problem is known as mastitis. Due to sudden exposure to saliva and milk accompanied by cracked nipples due to inadequate feeding, the area is exposed to bacterial load that may lead to mastitis.
10. Sore and Cracked Nipples after pregnancy
Some of the prominent changes occur around nipples during pregnancy and childbirth, and if these get sore or cracked this could result in pain. Mild soreness is okay during the entire process, but improper feeding may increase the intensity of soreness.
How to reshape breasts after pregnancy?
There are several methods to correct the breast size, shape as well as other issues developed during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Breast augmentation
Conventionally, silicone gel prosthetics or saline is used to conduct this procedure. But nowadays, fat grafting is also considered for this surgery. There may be multiple reasons to opt for this procedure such as small breast size, change in breast shape due to breastfeeding, or oversized breasts. Some old-age women also prefer this surgery due to loose skin around their breasts. Some women also think that a breast enlargement procedure will enhance their self-esteem and sexual feelings.
Breast lift procedure
Various incision techniques are used by doctors for breast lift procedures depending on the shape, degree of sagging, and size of the breast along with the kind of lift a women needs. A patient is given a few medications and asked to quit smoking before the procedure.
Breast lift surgery aftercare
Post-surgery breasts may remain sore and swollen for some weeks, which can be managed with medicines.
- The patient needs to wear a non-wire or surgical bra for two to three weeks.
- It may take two months to one year to achieve the desired shape of the breast.
- Avoid heavy exercise and weight lifting for few weeks post surgery.
Breast changes during and after pregnancy can make you feel anxious and out of control. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, please email us your medical query with reports at [email protected] or Call/WhatsApp us at +919769516280
