Yes, women's breasts typically grow during pregnancy. This is a common and expected change due to hormonal fluctuations.
Hormonal Changes and Breast Growth
The increase in hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, is the primary reason for breast growth during pregnancy. These hormones stimulate the growth of milk ducts and glandular tissue, leading to an increase in breast size. [Going up a cup size or two is normal when pregnant, especially during a first pregnancy](Reference 1). This growth can begin early in pregnancy and continue throughout the gestational period. [There are breast changes during pregnancy you should expect almost from day one. Blame the hormones. As hormone levels increase, so does blood flow...](Reference 2).
Other Changes Besides Size
Besides an increase in size, pregnant women may experience other breast changes, including:
- Increased sensitivity and tenderness: Breasts may feel sore, achy, or tingly.
- Changes in nipple and areola color: The nipples and areola (the dark area around the nipple) may darken significantly. [Your nipples and areola may continue to darken significantly. As the skin on your breasts stretches to accommodate their growing...](Reference 3)
- Colostrum leakage: A yellowish fluid called colostrum may leak from the nipples, particularly later in pregnancy. [They also may leak colostrum, especially later in pregnancy.](Reference 8)
- Increased vein visibility: The veins in the breasts may become more prominent due to increased blood flow.
- Itching: Rapid breast growth can cause the skin to stretch, leading to itching. [Rapid growth can cause the breasts to feel itchy as the skin stretches.](Reference 1)
- Changes in breast shape: The shape of the breasts might also change. [They may also change shape.](Reference 3)
Postpartum Breast Changes
Breast growth can continue even after birth, particularly during breastfeeding. [The breasts may also continue to increase in size after birth during nursing.](Reference 1) [Mine got one cup size bigger during pregnancy and another one when I started breastfeeding.](Reference 4)
Individual Variation
The extent of breast growth varies significantly between individuals. While some women experience a noticeable increase in cup size, others may experience only minimal changes.
