Week 18 • Second Trimester
Breast Changes & Growth at Week 18
Breast enlargement, darkening, visible veins
📆 Second Trimester Overview
Continued growth, veins visible, colostrum may leak
🔍 What Causes Breast Changes & Growth at Week 18?
- •Estrogen and progesterone
- •Milk ducts developing
- •Increased blood flow
- •Fat accumulation
- •Prolactin stimulating milk production
- •Breast tissue expanding
✓ Normal Signs
- ✓Growing 1-3 cup sizes
- ✓Darkening areolas
- ✓Visible blue veins
- ✓Colostrum leaking
- ✓Montgomery tubercles
⚠ Concerning Signs
- ⚠Hard, painful lump
- ⚠Red, hot area
- ⚠Severe pain one breast
- ⚠Bloody nipple discharge
- ⚠Skin dimpling
💊 Relief Strategies
- ✓Wear supportive maternity bras
- ✓Get fitted professionally
- ✓Sleep in comfortable bra
- ✓Use breast pads for leaking
- ✓Avoid underwire bras
- ✓Gentle breast massage
- ✓Keep breasts clean and dry
🏥 When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Hard lump that doesn't move
- ⚠Red, hot, inflamed area
- ⚠Bloody discharge
- ⚠Severe pain in one breast
- ⚠Skin changes or dimpling
- ⚠Inverted nipple that wasn't before