A common first sign of pregnancy is tenderness of the breasts and from this point onwards you can expect to experience a variety of other changes. Your breasts, much like the rest of your body, need to prepare for the arrival of your little one.
- Initially, a flood of hormones will start to change the breast tissue so it’s able to make milk, this can make your breasts feel swollen and tender. A common misconception is that your breasts will grow to a humongous size. This isn’t always the case, but you should definitely expect them to change in size.
- As your breasts grow, you might notice that veins and glands appear more noticeable, your nipples and areola might become a few shades darker too. All of these changes are completely normal. At this point, you might want to consider going for a bra fitting as you may not be able to fit in your usual bras anymore. Cotton, stretchy & comfortable bras are ideal during your pregnancy, and will likely come in handy after the birth when you are breastfeeding!
- Breast lumps are very common during pregnancy but can cause you to worry when you find them. According to breastcancercare.org.uk, the likelihood of a woman of child-bearing age, or bearing a child, developing breast cancer is highly unlikely, however, it's recommended that you have any new breast lumps checked by your GP, which will also put your mind at ease.
- After sixteen weeks of pregnancy, your breasts are capable and ready to produce milk. At this time, it’s likely that you might experience some fluid leaking from your nipples. We recommend purchasing some washable nipple pads that you can place inside your bra if you’re worried about people noticing.
We hope you have found this blog helpful, if you experience any abnormal discomfort, or you notice any unusual changes in your breasts during your pregnancy, you should contact your doctor.
If you’d like to come and see us for a First Encounters ultrasound during your pregnancy then click the button below to view our different scan packages.
Our Scan Packages >
It can be difficult to secure an ultrasound scan at an NHS clinic over the Christmas period. But don't worry, our First Encounters clinics & phone lines are open throughout the Christmas period. If you'd like to make an enquiry or book an appointment, please refer to the Christmas opening hours chart below.
From all of us here at First Encounters, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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Date
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Cardiff
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Bristol (Portishead)
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Sat 22nd
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Sun 23rd
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Mon 24th
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Tues 25th
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Clinic closed
Phone lines closed
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Clinic closed
Phone lines closed
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Wed 26th
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Thurs 27th
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Clinic open
phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Fri 28th
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Sat 29th
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Sun 30th
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Mon 31st
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am-4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Tues 1st
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Wed 2nd
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Thurs 3rd
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Fri 4th
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 8pm
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Sat 5th
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic closed
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Sun 6th
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am - 4pm
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Clinic open
Phone lines open 8am-4pm
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This year, we've decided to have a bit of festive fun and host a Christmas competition!
All you have to do to enter is:
- Like the First Encounters Ultrasound Cardiff Facebook page
- Like the competition photo on Facebook
- And give our adorable bay reindeer teddy a new name!
It's that simple!
The competition will run from midday on Wednesday 12th December until midday on Friday 21st December, so you have plenty of time to get involved! The winner will be contacted shortly after!
Visit the First Encounters Cardiff Facebook Page here >
You can see more details about the competition and meet our baby reindeer who's looking for a new name here:
