A typical sign of pregnancy is the increase in the volume of the breasts.

Hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy also affect the breasts, more often in a woman's first pregnancy. It is usually one of the first symptoms of pregnancy that is noticed before. Progesterone favors the growth of the breasts and estrogens the development of the milk ducts. This is because the breasts are preparing for breastfeeding.

Early in pregnancy, many women feel increased tenderness in their breasts as they swell and gain weight. The woman may feel them sore, but this sensation -somewhat more intense than the one that occurs before menstruation- will disappear as the weeks go by.

Nipples and areolae darken, turning from pinkish to dark brown, and even more prominent. The nipples, like the breasts, are also preparing to offer food to the baby.

Sebaceous glands known as Morgagni's tubercles and Montgomery's nodules are also found in the female areola.

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, Morgagni's tubercles, which are elevations on the areola formed by the outlet of the ducts of the Montgomery glands, become visible. For their part, the Montgomery glands are responsible for secreting a substance to lubricate the breast during pregnancy and protect it during lactation against possible infections.

The skin becomes stretched, dry, even itchy. If the skin gives way a lot, some stretch marks may appear on the chest. It is also normal for women to see a greater number of bluish veins due to increased blood circulation.

Women's underwear should be comfortable. The best option is cotton bras, without seams or underwire. Your bra size will probably go up a size or two. This is due to the increase in adipose tissue during pregnancy.

There are other hormones that affect a woman's breasts, which are what prepare her body for lactation. However, the action of prolactin, oxytocin, and luteinizing hormone is not appreciated until the sixth week of pregnancy.