

The rate at which breasts grow is different for each young woman. The breasts and duct system continue to grow and mature, with the development of many glands and lobules. Once ovulation and menstruation begin, the maturing of the breasts begins with the formation of secretory glands at the end of the milk ducts. Often these breast changes happen at the same that pubic hair and armpit hair appear. When the ovaries start to produce and release (secrete) estrogen, fat in the connective tissue starts to collect. This often starts around age 35.Īs a girl approaches her teen years, the first visible signs of breast development begin. Shrinkage (involution) of the milk ducts is the final major change that happens in the breast tissue. The mammary glands slowly start to shrink. Mammary glands are influenced by hormones activated in puberty. Mammary glands develop next and consist of 15 to 24 lobes.


The first thing to develop are lobes, or small subdivisions of breast tissue. By the time a baby girl is born, nipples and the beginnings of the milk-duct system have formed.īreast changes continue to happen over a woman’s life. This starts with a thickening in the chest area called the mammary ridge or milk line. When does breast development begin?īreasts begin to form while the unborn baby is still growing in the mother’s uterus. Changes also happen to the breasts during the menstrual cycle and when a woman reaches menopause. Breast development happens in certain stages during a woman's life: first before birth, again at puberty, and later during the childbearing years. A few times a day, including after your shower, let your breasts air-dry for a few minutes.Normal Breast Development and Changes What is normal breast development?īreast development is a vital part of a woman’s reproduction.

You can also buy the kind that you use once and throw away. Use breast pads inside your bra to soak up leaks.Don't wash the area around your nipples with soap.They are soft, lighter bras that will still give you a little support as you sleep. You may find that bras made from cotton are more comfortable. If your breasts are tender or sore, wear a bra that gives you good support in the back and on the sides.If these changes bother you, here are some ideas you can try. They also may leak colostrum, especially later in pregnancy. Either way, it has nothing to do with your ability to breastfeed.Īs a natural part of pregnancy, your breasts will get bigger and may be sore sometimes. If you haven't had colostrum leaking from your breasts before, it may start to happen now.You may need a larger bra or a bra extender. Your breasts will grow some more and may feel even heavier.In the third trimester (week 28 to birth): Colostrum is the "pre-milk" that helps protect your baby from disease during the first few days of breastfeeding. This just means that your breasts are getting ready for breastfeeding. You may notice a yellowish discharge, called colostrum, from your nipples as early as the 16th to 19th week.These bumps will go away after you have your baby. The nipples and the area around the nipples (areola) become darker and larger.Some women get stretch marks on their breasts. The veins in your breasts become more noticeable under the skin.You will probably feel less of the breast tenderness from early pregnancy.You may need a larger bra that gives you more support. Your breasts will get larger and heavier.In the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27): Some women find that their breasts start to get bigger during this time.Your nipples may stick out more than usual.Your breasts may start to feel swollen and tender.They are getting ready to make and supply milk for your baby. As the rest of your body changes during pregnancy, your breasts change too.
