Swollen Breasts During Pregnancy? Here’s How To Get Some Relief

One of the most unbearable side effects of pregnancy? Swollen, sore breasts. We’ve all felt them during that not-so-wonderful time of the month but during and post- pregnancy, swollen breasts are a problem that last longer than a few days. Sore breasts are attributed to estrogen and progesterone in the body, this enlarges the glands inside your breasts meant to hold milk. The increased gland sizes retain water very easily, leading to heavy and tender breasts. Whether you have swollen breasts from your period, recently becoming pregnant, or during post-pregnancy, here are five tips on how to relieve swollen breasts during pregnancy.

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Swollen Breasts During Pregnancy? Here’s How To Get Some Relief

Use moist heat

Much like how shower steam relieves your muscles’ aches and pains, using moist heat directly on your swollen breasts can provide almost instant gratification. Use a small heat pack or even a small washcloth rinsed under hot water (Just let it cool first as to not burn yourself) to apply heat to your breasts.     

Cold Compress                           

Like the relief from hot, cold can also help ease the achiness you may be feeling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a sandwich bag or in a paper towel and apply where you feel the sorest. This is also a great remedy for swollen feet.

Wear the right bra

This is a very important point, swollen breasts or not. Having a bra that is too big or too small is a problem in itself and it can make this one worse. Getting fitted for a bra with proper support can do wonders for not only your breasts but also your back and your shoulders. Even a decent sports bra can provide more relief than going braless.

Reduce Salt Intake

Salt is what will increase water retention, so by reducing how much salt you are consuming, you can help fight swollen breasts at the source. You can reduce your salt intake by eating fresh, whole foods and by rinsing off any canned produce extremely well. Incorporate other seasonings in your cooking to cut down on how much salt you usually cook with.

Breast Pads

Breast pads are nifty little insoles for your bra that can help with easing any breast discomfort (including nipple itchiness and chaffiness) during pregnancy.

Do you have any tips or tricks for combating sore breasts during pregnancy? Have you tried any of these? Let me know in the comments below.