Identification

• Breast tenderness refers to the discomfort, sensitivity and swelling a woman may feel in her breasts during pregnancy.
  
  

Time Frame

• Breast tenderness can occur as early as eight to 10 days after ovulation. Sometimes the sensation disappears during the second and third trimesters, although some soreness may be felt for the duration of the pregnancy.
  
  

Occurrences

• Tenderness may be noticed more at bedtime as a woman is falling asleep, during exercising, while showering or while getting dressed.
  
  

Causes

• Breast tenderness occurs during pregnancy because of an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes blood to rush to the breasts, making them more sensitive.
  
  

Treatment

• To help breast tenderness, women should wear cotton bras that fit properly, without underwire support. A good exercise bra while working out will provide added support. Warm baths should minimize swelling, and cold compresses will ease painful or throbbing breasts.