Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your breasts will undergo changes to prepare for breastfeeding. Inside your breasts, the milk-producing glandular tissue and the milk ducts begin to grow. Your areola may get larger and darker in color. The Montgomery glands on the areola start to stand out and your nipples may protrude more. As pregnancy progresses, your breast will probably feel fuller and more tender.
Breastfeeding
Your breasts may grow even larger after the birth of your child. In the first few weeks postpartum, your milk supply will increase and it’s common for swelling and breast engorgement to occur. The excessive swelling and pain should resolve in a few days, but if you are exclusively breastfeeding, your breasts will remain on the larger side as they produce and hold breast milk for your baby.
Weaning
Once you are no longer exclusively breastfeeding, or as you begin to wean your baby from your breast, your breasts will begin to change again. As your child nurses less and less, your milk supply will slowly decline and your breasts will feel less full. After fully weaning, it could take 6 months or longer for your breasts to return to the way they were before you became pregnant. However, they may never be exactly the same. After going through all the changes of pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts may remain larger, or they may appear smaller and softer. They may have stretch marks, or they may seem saggy. These are all normal changes that can occur. If you have any concerns about the size, shape, or changes in your breasts as you go through the stages of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weaning, see your doctor. Your doctor can examine your breasts and answer any questions that you may have.
