It’s Normal For Your Boobs to Change During Pregnancy - Here’s What to Expect

When a positive line appears on the pregnancy test, most people understand their body will start changing. But aside from a growing belly, breast changes during pregnancy are also expected as your body prepares to give birth.

"Breasts change during pregnancy to prepare for feeding the baby after birth, and hormonal changes stimulate the growth and development of breast tissue, milk ducts, and glands," says breast cancer surgeon Lauren Ramsey, MD. "Most people experience some degree of breast change during pregnancy, but the degree of change varies based on individual factors like genetics, hormonal sensitivity, and body type, so some may have only mild symptoms, while others notice significant changes."

So while it's hard to give the exact changes your breasts will endure during pregnancy, there are some general symptoms you can expect. Here's everything you need to know about your boobs while pregnant, depending on the trimester, plus how to handle any discomfort and what expect from your boobs after pregnancy.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Lauren Ramsey, MD, is a breast cancer surgeon and founder of BAT, an innovative radiation protection garment designed to reduce the risk of breast cancer in healthcare workers.

How Do Breasts Change During Pregnancy?

Hormonal shifts, mainly an increase in estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, are responsible for changes to your breasts during pregnancy, Dr. Ramsey says. "Estrogen and progesterone increase breast tissue and the formation of milk ducts, leading to growth, while prolactin, which rises later in pregnancy, helps the body start producing milk." An increase in blood flow to the breasts also brings more nutrients to the area, causing enlargement, tenderness, and visible veins, she says.

Everyone's breasts are different, so there's not a one-size-fits-all manual for what to expect, but generally speaking, most people experience an increase in breast size during the first few weeks of pregnancy, Dr. Ramsey says. In the early stages, breast tenderness, soreness, and a feeling of fullness are also common as your hormones continue to fluctuate, she adds.

The areola, or the areas around the nipples, may also darken and expand due to hormonal changes, while the veins in your breasts are typically more noticeable or prominent due to increased blood flow, Dr. Ramsey says. However, remember that the degree of these changes can vary depending on the person and even the pregnancy.

Breast Changes During Pregnancy: First Trimester

In the first trimester (from conception to the end of week 12), rapid hormonal changes kickstart breast growth, so you may experience heightened sensitivity or soreness due to these shifting hormones, Dr. Ramsey says. You may also notice slight growth as your breasts begin to feel fuller, though any size increase is gradual and not drastic, she explains.

Aside from changes to the breasts themselves, Dr. Ramsey says hormonal changes during early pregnancy can also cause slight darkening around the nipples and areolas.

Breast Changes During Pregnancy: Second Trimester

Once you hit the 13-week mark, breast changes become more pronounced as your milk ducts continue to develop, Dr. Ramsey says. Most people notice a substantial increase in the size of their breasts, but you may also experience significant vein prominence due to increased blood flow which can make your veins more visible under the skin, she says. The pigmentation of your nipples and areola is also known to deepen during the second trimester, causing them to appear darker.

By the end of the second trimester (through the end of week 27), some people may also notice a clear or yellowish fluid leaking from their nipples known as colostrum, which is a nutrient-rich substance produced during pregnancy that's rich in essential nutrients, antibodies, growth factors, and immune-boosting compounds for newborns, Dr. Ramsey says.

Breast Changes During Pregnancy: Third Trimester

The third trimester (week 28 until birth) is when your body begins to prepare for milk production, Dr. Ramsey says. Some people experience additional breast enlargement, but the overall weight of your breasts will likely feel heavier and fuller as the milk glands mature, she explains.

Colostrum leakage is also more common and frequent as you get closer to giving birth while the body prepares for breastfeeding.

How to Deal With Breast Changes During Pregnancy

As your breasts grow, change, and develop during pregnancy, it's normal to feel some discomfort, Dr. Ramsey says. Fortunately, she has a few tips for managing any aches or pains.

Breast Changes After Pregnancy

Everyone experiences postpartum differently, but your breasts are likely to get bigger as your milk production starts in full, Dr. Ramsey says. It's especially common for your breasts to feel heavy and engorged a few days after giving birth while your milk increases, causing them to feel extra sore and tender, she explains. Your breasts may continue to change in size and shape if you continue breastfeeding, but once you stop, they'll typically return to a smaller, more "normal" size, shape, and color after a few weeks.

As for your nipples, it's typical for your areolas to remain somewhat darker than before you were pregnant, though Dr. Ramsey says they often lighten over a few months.

All that said, it's totally normal if your boobs after birth don't return to their exact pre-pregnancy appearance, but if you're ever concerned, Dr. Ramsey says to talk with your doctor. "Breast changes can vary widely, and everyone's experience is unique, so remember that these changes are natural and temporary adjustments that the body undergoes to support a new life."

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.