Breast changes in pregnancy: what’s normal and when to get checked

Your breasts start changing early in pregnancy and keep changing as your body gets ready to feed your baby. Here’s what’s normal, and why any lump should still be checked.

Why your breasts change

Tommy’s, the pregnancy charity, says many breast changes are caused by the extra hormones in your body and the growth of your milk ducts. A leaflet from Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says changes to your breasts are usually one of the early signs that you’re pregnant.

What you might notice

Tenderness. Tommy’s says your breasts may feel tender, as they might before a period, and they may tingle.
Growing. Your breasts may get larger and feel heavier. The Mersey and West Lancashire leaflet says that in the last few weeks of pregnancy your breasts continue to grow and your nipples may get larger.
Veins. Tommy’s says the veins on your breasts may be more visible.
Darker nipples and areolas. Tommy’s says your nipples may darken and stand out. The leaflet says the areola, the skin around your nipple, usually gets darker too.
Small bumps on the areola. These are called Montgomery’s tubercles. The leaflet says they may become bigger and more noticeable.
Leaking colostrum. See below.

Leaking colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. The Mersey and West Lancashire leaflet says your breasts can produce milk from about 16 weeks of pregnancy, and it’s not unusual for small amounts of clear or coloured fluid to leak from your nipples. It says this is normal and not something you need to be concerned about. NHS Best Start in Life says you may notice yellow stains in your bra.

A breast pad, disposable or washable, inside your bra can soak up leaks. See why your nipples might leak in pregnancy and colostrum harvesting.

Bras

NHS leaflets from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales and from Mersey and West Lancashire suggest:

checking your bra isn’t too tight as your breasts grow
choosing a bra that fits on the loosest set of hooks, so you can tighten it as it stretches
an underwired bra is fine if it fits well. It should lie flat against your body and support your breast without digging in or gaping.
visiting a shop with specially trained staff who can measure you
getting fitted for a nursing bra a few weeks before your baby is due. The fitter will allow for your breasts getting bigger when you start making milk, and will probably suggest going up one or two cup sizes.
sleeping in a bra if it’s more comfortable for you

Lumps and other changes

See your GP about any new lump in your breast or armpit, or any change to a lump you already have. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board says you should always contact your GP about these in pregnancy. The NHS says most breast lumps are harmless, but some can be serious, so don’t try to work out the cause yourself.

The NHS says to see a GP about other unusual changes too, such as your nipple turning inwards, dimpled skin, or bloodstained discharge from your nipple.

The Mersey and West Lancashire leaflet says a few women notice an occasional leak of blood from their nipples in pregnancy, which can be caused by the growth of blood vessels. It says any leakage of blood from the nipple should always be checked by your midwife or GP.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board encourages being breast aware in pregnancy, and talking to your midwife or GP about any unusual changes.

Questions people ask

When do breasts start changing in pregnancy?

Early. The Mersey and West Lancashire leaflet says breast changes are usually one of the early signs of pregnancy. See 15 early signs of pregnancy.

Can I wear an underwired bra?

Yes, if it fits well. The Mersey and West Lancashire leaflet says there is no reason to stop wearing an underwired bra as long as it fits you well.

Is leaking from my nipples normal?

Leaking small amounts of colostrum is normal. Any leakage of blood from your nipple should be checked by your midwife or GP.

I’ve found a lump. Could it just be pregnancy?

Don’t try to work it out yourself. The NHS says to always get a breast lump checked by a GP, and NHS pregnancy leaflets say the same applies in pregnancy.