Pregnancy and boobs.

Photo Credit: HuggiesAU

One of the most annoying aspects of being pregnant are the changes that happen with our breasts.
Whether or not you will be breastfeeding your little one when he or she is born, we all have to deal with the changes.

Early on in your pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts become increasingly sore. They also become bigger, and if you already had big boobs, this may be an unwelcomed pregnancy symptom. During the middle part of your first trimester, you will notice that your bras don't fit as well as they used to. You may find yourself investing in some maternity bras. Maternity bras do provide some relief from the symptoms, but they won't get rid of the symptoms entirely. The rest you kind of have to get used to.

Some other symptoms to look out for include:

-Vein changes (they will be come more visible on and around your breasts).
-Darker areolas
-Bumps on the areolas
-Leaky breasts (during month three, some women may notice a tiny amount of a thick, yellowish, substance coming from the nipple. Some women see this discharge earlier, and some don't leak at all).
-Itchy breasts (as your breasts continue to increase, you will notice your breasts becoming itchier. A friend of mine told me that, under no circumstances, do you scratch to relieve the itch).

Soreness does decrease somewhat during the second trimester, but your breast size will continue to increase. This is all in preparation for feeding your cutie pie once he or she is born.

You may be wondering how big your breasts may get. If this is your first pregnancy, you may go up a cup size or two.
Experts recommend that you invest in maternity and nursing bras, sports bras, and sleep bras. They also recommend that you switch to a nursing bra during your third trimester if you plan on breastfeeding.
If you don't notice any changes in your breasts during your pregnancy, do not fear. It's normal for some women to not have any noticeable changes until after the baby is born.

My Two Cents

Breast changes have been one of the most annoying parts of being pregnant. I had to stop sleeping on my stomach very early on because my boobs were so sore (Off topic: if you're a stomach sleeper, you will need to accustom yourself to a different sleeping position. It is recommended that women try sleeping on their left sides for optimal support for both mom and baby. They make body pillows to make the transition from one sleeping position to another easier. They are pricey, so if you cannot afford a body pillow, I recommend using any pillow that you have to prop yourself on your left side. Grab two of your smallest pillows and put one under your stomach, and the other between your legs. It's silly, but it's what I've been doing lol).

Now that I'm entering my second trimester, I'm becoming used to these changes in my breasts. As annoying as they are, they are all necessary in making sure my unborn son has the best start possible.
Men who are reading this, sorry for all the breast talk. Those that know me know that I have no filter and I discuss things that others are too afraid to talk about.

If you have a girlfriend or wife who is expecting, these are pretty much the changes they are going through but aren't talking to you about.
It's important to be sympathetic to your partner about these changes, because, if it is the first child for her, these changes are pretty scary at first. Be that listening ear, that shoulder for her to cry on, and that strength she needs to get through this important and incredible time in, not only her life, but your life as well.