The Breast in Pregnancy |
The breast is an organ formed by glandular tissue, made up of lobes responsible for the secretion of milk. It is also made up of support tissues and fatty tissues, which isolate and protect against external impact. Each lobe has an excreting tubule, which flows into larger channels called milk ducts, which, in turn, reach the tip of the nipple. The nipple is surrounded by the mammary areola, a circular area which is darker than the skin, with small, irregular protrusions of a glandular character called Montgomery’s tubercles.
Already in the first weeks of pregnancy, due to the effects of some hormones, including the estrogens and progesterone, the breast becomes harder and a feeling tension and heaviness may result. The mammary areola becomes darker and the Montgomery’s tubercles protrude more, as they are ready to secrete a fatty substance, which lubricates and protects the nipple during breast-feeding. Towards the fourth month, the colostrum can begin to secrete from the nipple. This, however, is not an indication of the production of particularly abundant milk.
Following the increase in volume, the skin of the breast, which has the important role of containment and support, can easily relax to the extent that stretch marks can form - reddish stripes caused by the laceration of the elastic fibres of the inner layer of the skin called derma.
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 Care and Hygiene - During pregnancy, the breast requires special care and attention to get it ready for breast-feeding and to keep it healthy. During the period of pregnancy, it is therefore necessary to help the breast, supporting it with a bra, which must always be appropriate for the development of the breast. It is preferable to use bras without metal supports, which might compress the ducts, and they should always be carefully washed, especially with the presence of secretions from the nipple. The breast must always be washed carefully and moisturised.
It is necessary to strengthen the nipples with massages in order to prepare them for breast-feeding. It is also possible to stimulate the breast and nipple by alternating hot and cold showers, or by massaging them gently with a soft glove.
The skin can also be moisturised using specific products. These methods, together with a massage using the fingertips, from the base of the breast towards the nipple, which must be gently pulled and extended, help to increase the extension and elasticity of the nipple. |
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