One thing’s for sure: pregnancy increases bust size. Clare Byam Cook with a little TLC for your bigger breasts

Starting off with the bad news, I’m afraid it’s true that pregnancy changes breast shape – and not usually for the better. Most women find that their breasts end up slightly smaller and less firm than they were. Worrying about this doesn’t resolve the problem, but it may be comforting to know that this change in breast shape isn’t all down to breastfeeding. It has to be said, though, that the longer a mother breastfeeds, the more her breasts are likely to change in shape and size.

Hopefully, you’ll feel this is a small price to pay for the benefits your baby will derive from breast milk.

On the plus side, those of you with small breasts will be pleased to hear that virtually every woman notices an immediate increase in bust size, as soon as pregnancy gets going, and your newly enlarged breasts will be there until you stop breastfeeding – one good reason to feed as long as possible. The biggest increase in breast size usually takes place in the first three months.

You can’t predict what will happen to your breasts during pregnancy. Some women develop enormous breasts within the first few weeks, and carry on getting bigger and bigger over the months. Others get a bit bigger initially, and then notice little further change. If you have very small breasts, it’s not essential to wear a bra during pregnancy, but it’s probably a good idea to wear one as your bust increases, to avoid the risk of stretch marks. The larger the breasts, the more important it is to keep them well supported, to prevent the ligaments being stretched – too much stretching will eventually result in saggy breasts.

On the subject of bras – invest in bigger sizes

• You may need to change bra sizes several times during your pregnancy
• Sports bras designed to keep large breasts under control are worth considering
• It is worth getting fitted properly for your bras. Find a trained assistant who can advise you on the best style for your shape and size
• Bra extensions (which fit onto the back fastening of your bra) are very useful when your bra becomes too tight around your ribcage but still fits everywhere else
• You will need to buy special maternity bras, if you are planning to breastfeed your baby. Buy these towards the end of your pregnancy (at around 34-36 weeks) and get an expert to fit you. Most big department stores have someone trained in fitting maternity bras, as do most hospitals and antenatal classes
• The best maternity bras are the ones with individual zips under each breast, which will allow you easy access to the breast when feeding.

Caring for nipples
Some nipples become larger and darker during pregnancy, and remain like this for up to a year after the baby is born. One old wives’ tale suggests putting white spirit on your nipples to toughen them up, ready for breastfeeding (and make them less vulnerable to soreness). This is definitely NOT something I would recommend. The main cause of sore nipples is incorrect positioning on the breast, and no amount of preparation will help with this problem. But, if you suffer from very dry nipples, it is probably worth investing in a good nipple cream.

From about 36 weeks onwards, your breasts will start producing colostrum (this is what your baby will have until your proper milk comes in) and, sometimes, this leaks from your breast late in pregnancy. It’s nothing to worry about, but if you leak a lot, you may need to start wearing breast pads. Not very sexy I’m afraid, but there you go.

All these changes bear little relation to how your breasts will function, when it comes to supplying milk to your baby. This is because, contrary to popular belief, breast size does not affect milk production. Large breasts are large because they have more fatty tissue in them than small breasts, not because they have more milk producing cells. So, do not despair if your breasts seem a bit small and feeble. Even the smallest of breasts can produce an enormous amount of milk.

Once your baby is born

• Expect to feed little and often in the first few days
• Expect your milk to come in anytime from day 2-5
• Your breasts may become swollen when your milk first comes in, but should settle down after about 24 hours
• After a week or so, most mothers have breastfeeding fairly well established and find that their breasts are comfortable before, during and after feeds
• Mothers with large breasts will probably need (and want) to wear their maternity bras 24 hours a day
• Mothers with small breasts may find that a lightweight sleeping bra is more comfortable to wear at night.

Remember that every mother is different, and don’t worry if your breasts don’t follow the pattern I’ve described.