Decreased Breast Tenderness in Early Pregnancy

Breast tenderness is a very common early pregnancy symptom– with 76.2% of pregnant women experiencing it.

If like many women, you have been experiencing breast tenderness throughout your pregnancy and it has suddenly decreased, you may be wondering what’s happening.

In this article:

• Does Breast Pain Decrease After Implantation?
• When Does Breast Pain Decrease During Pregnancy?
• Can Breast Tenderness Come and Go During Early Pregnancy?
• What is Normal Breast Tenderness During Early Pregnancy?
• How Do Your Breasts Change During Early Pregnancy?
• Is Decreased Breast Tenderness A Sign of Miscarriage?
• When Should I Contact My Doctor About Breast Tenderness in Early Pregnancy?

 

Does Breast Pain Decrease After Implantation?

Implantation is the process in which a fertilised egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus.

Through this connection, the fertilised egg receives the blood supply and nutrients it needs to grow.

But how does this relate to breast pain?

Well, during implantation, your levels of hCG, progesterone and estrogen suddenly increase.

These hormonal fluctuations can cause your breasts to feel swollen or sore.

So, does breast pain decrease once implantation is over?

Your hormonal levels stay risen for quite some time after implantation- usually around 3 months- so breast tenderness does not immediately decrease post-implantation.

When Does Breast Pain Decrease During Pregnancy?

Breast tenderness is often at its worst during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As your pregnancy progresses, your body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels.

By the second trimester (or twelfth week of pregnancy), your estrogen and progesterone levels drop.

At this point, most women’s breast tenderness decreases a lot.

However, this sudden decrease in breast tenderness does not mean that your breasts have stopped developing!

In fact, it is around the second trimester that your milk-producing glands and milk ducts start getting to work- in preparation for the 20th week of pregnancy, where your breasts will begin producing colostrum.

Can Breast Tenderness Come and Go During Early Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is certainly a rollercoaster ride- and so are the pregnancy symptoms that come with it!

If you find that you are experiencing one pregnancy symptom strongly one day, and then not experiencing that particular pregnancy symptom at all another day- this is totally normal!

A pregnancy with fluctuating hormones and varying levels of the intensity of pregnancy symptoms is a normal pregnancy.

So, the answer is yes, it is completely normal to experience breast tenderness one day, and then to be relieved of the symptom the next.

 

What is Normal Breast Tenderness During Early Pregnancy?

Normal breast pain during pregnancy can be described as a tenderness, feeling of fullness, swelling or aching all over the breasts.

As well as sore breasts, you may also notice that you are experiencing some nipple soreness or sensitivity; this is also completely normal!

For some women, the breast pain they feel during pregnancy can feel like a more intense version of their usual menstrual or pre-menstrual breast pain.

We recommend reading our article: What Part of the Breast Hurts in Early Pregnancy?to find out more about what is normal during early pregnacy.

How Do Your Breasts Change During Early Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your breasts go through many changes, in order to prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Below is a list of the changes you may notice during pregnancy:

Breast Growth

One of the most noticeable changes to your breasts during pregnancy is the size.

Your breasts increase in size throughout your pregnancy.

It is during the first trimester that your most sudden growth spurt in breast size is.

During the third trimester, you will notice another sudden increase in breast size, close to the due date of your baby.

Breast Soreness

Sore breasts! This is certainly a change that we could do without!

However, breast pain, fullness, swelling, aching and tenderness are all positive signs that your breasts are developing nicely in preparation for your baby.

Darkened Nipples

Many women notice that their areola- which is the skin around their nipples- darkens during pregnancy.

This works as a visual aid in helping your baby locate the nipple on the breast.

More Visible Veins

If bluish veins within your breasts have suddenly become more noticeable, this is totally normal! This is caused by the increased blood flow to your breasts.

Is Decreased Breast Tenderness A Sign of Miscarriage?

If you are experiencing a decrease in breast tenderness, you may be wondering, “Is decreased breast tenderness a sign of miscarriage?”, after all, as many of us know, a sudden decrease/stop in pregnancy symptoms can point toward a miscarriage.

However, as discussed in the “Can Breast Tenderness Come and Go During Early Pregnancy?” section above, a decrease in breast tenderness can be normal.

After all, during pregnancy, your hormones are shifting all of the time!

If a sudden decrease in breast tenderness is accompanied by a decrease of all of your usual other pregnancy symptoms, or vaginal bleeding or cramping, then it may be a sign of a miscarriage.

Below are the usual signs of pregnancy you may experience:

• Morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Nipple sensitivity
• Headaches
• Mood Swings
• Heightened sense of smell

If all of your usual symptoms have suddenly stopped, then you should consult your healthcare provider.

 

When Should I Contact My Doctor About Breast Tenderness in Early Pregnancy?

Breast tenderness, swelling, achiness, sensitivity and pain are completely normal during pregnancy.

You also experience many changes in your breasts during early pregnancy, however, it is important to pay attention to these changes, as not all changes are normal.

If you experience any of the below breast changes, which may or may not, you should consult your doctor to rule out any serious issues, such as breast cancer.

• Lump in breast
• Lump in the underarm
• Nipple discharge
• Dimpled skin (like an orange peel)
• Itchy, scaly or red skin

You can read more about breast cancer, its symptoms and prevention on the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/

You can also find some pictures of breast cancer on the independent nurse website:

https://www.independentnurse.co.uk/clinical-article/breast-cancer-in-images/63465/