Breast pain during pregnancy is a common phenomenon that often occurs in pregnant women. However, in cases of severe pain, mothers should see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.
1. Is breast pain during pregnancy a concern?
During pregnancy, expectant mothers often experience breast fullness, mild pain around the nipples, or sharp pain when pressed. This is a normal and common phenomenon among pregnant women. Sometimes, breast pain can appear quite early (between the 4th and 6th weeks) and may last until the end of the first trimester. The pain intensity usually decreases during the second trimester but may increase again in the third trimester as the due date approaches.
Each woman may experience breast pain to varying degrees. Some may feel significant pain, while others might only have a fleeting sensation around the nipples or sometimes just a burning feeling in both breasts.
2. Cause of breast pain during pregnancy
• Heartburn
Heartburn can be a cause of pain around the breasts. During pregnancy, expectant mothers often change their eating habits, and sometimes an inappropriate diet can lead to heartburn. Additionally, the increased level of progesterone during pregnancy causes relaxation of the smooth muscles of the uterus and the valve between the stomach and esophagus, leading to acid reflux and heartburn.
• Indigestion
Breast pain often stems from indigestion, with symptoms typically worsening in the later stages of pregnancy, around the 27th week.
• Breast muscle strain
During pregnancy, the muscles and ligaments in the breast area become tense. As the fetus grows, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and ribs, causing breast pain and shortness of breath.
• Breast infection
Respiratory illnesses can lead to breast infections, which are a primary cause of breast pain during pregnancy.
• Stress
Expectant mothers often experience stress throughout their pregnancy. This is also one of the common factors that causes breast pain.
• Breast size changes
Pregnancy causes the breasts to enlarge, affecting the joints and breast muscles, and leading to discomfort and pain around the breasts.
• Blood vessel obstruction
The presence of blood clots in the veins is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can travel to the lungs, resulting in breast pain and pulmonary obstruction. This is a serious complication related to DVT that can be fatal.
• Myocardial infarction
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is pain around the breasts, accompanied by headaches, shortness of breath, numbness in the limbs, and cold sweats.
The risk is higher for women who smoke, have a history of diabetes, or are pregnant over the age of 40. Therefore, if breast pain occurs, especially in high-risk individuals, immediate medical attention is necessary.
• Asthma
Pregnant women with a history of asthma or currently experiencing asthma may see their condition worsen, accompanied by breast spasms and pain.
• Coronary artery aneurysm
Breast pain during pregnancy can be a symptom of a coronary artery aneurysm, a heart-related condition that often appears after childbirth or a month before delivery.
• Aortic dissection
This condition occurs due to a tear in the aortic wall, which leads to bleeding between the layers of the vessel wall and can result in the rupture of the aorta, with common symptoms including chest pain; additionally, pregnancy increases the risk of aortic dissection.
• Congenital heart disease
Patients with congenital heart disease are often advised against pregnancy or must be closely monitored during pregnancy to avoid serious complications. Therefore, breast pain during pregnancy is a typical symptom in expectant mothers with congenital heart disease. In this case, mothers should pay attention to sudden breast pain and seek medical consultation if they notice any unusual symptoms that could indicate heart-related complications.
3. Ways to relieve breast pain during pregnancy
If breast pain is accompanied by severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or cardiovascular issues, the expectant mother should seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. However, if the pain is mild and not related to serious conditions or risk factors, the following methods may help:
• Relaxation: Avoid overexerting the body. Instead, rest, maintain a positive mindset, and engage in gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking.
• Posture Awareness: Always sit and stand with a straight back to maximize lung capacity. Poor posture can compress the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and breast pain.
• Avoid Lying Down After Eating: This can cause reflux, leading to breast discomfort.
• Smaller Meals Throughout the Day: Divide larger meals into smaller, more frequent ones, maintaining equal intervals between them to prevent indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn.
• Avoid Bloating Foods: Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, spicy, and fatty foods, as these can cause indigestion and bloating.
• Elevate the Pillow: Sleeping with a higher pillow can help ease breathing and reduce breast pain.
• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and refrain from stimulants like caffeine.
Additionally, the mother may try some traditional remedies to alleviate breast pain during pregnancy:
- Drink ginger tea or chamomile tea 1–2 times a day.
- Gargle with saline water 3 times a day.
- Try a warm glass of milk with honey.
- Neutralize acid with coconut water.
Breast pain is a common symptom during pregnancy; however, if the pain does not subside or even worsens, the expectant mother should consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To ensure the health of both the mother and the baby, consider registering for comprehensive prenatal care packages at reputable medical facilities for regular check-ups and timely management of any issues that may arise during pregnancy and after delivery.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
