Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to still be pregnant even if breast soreness goes away. Breast tenderness is an early sign of pregnancy caused by rising hormone levels. However, hormonal fluctuations and changes to breast tissue can cause soreness to come and go. The disappearance of breast soreness alone does not necessarily mean a pregnancy loss has occurred. As long as no other symptoms of miscarriage are present, there is a good chance the pregnancy is progressing normally.
Breast Changes in Early Pregnancy
Breast soreness and tenderness is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, affecting up to 75% of women in the first trimester. Hormonal changes after conception cause the breasts to swell and become sensitive in preparation for breastfeeding.
The main hormone responsible for breast changes in early pregnancy is progesterone. Progesterone levels steadily rise after conception, peaking around week 9 of pregnancy. This influx of hormones causes the milk ducts to enlarge and breasts to retain more fluid. The expanding tissue and extra fluid puts pressure on nerves in the breast, leading to breast tenderness and soreness.
Estrogen levels also rise during pregnancy, which contributes to breast enlargement. Blood flow to the breasts increases as well, potentially making the breasts feel swollen, warm, and tingly. All of these breast changes are the body’s way of preparing for lactation after childbirth.
For most women, breast soreness is most pronounced during the first trimester as hormone levels rapidly increase. Tenderness often dissipates as hormone levels plateau later in pregnancy.
Why Might Breast Soreness Come and Go in Pregnancy?
While breast tenderness is common early on, it is possible for soreness to come and go or even disappear entirely without signaling a problem. Here are some reasons why breast pain or tenderness may temporarily subside:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Progesterone and estrogen levels do not climb at a steady, predictable rate. There is a significant amount of variation among women and even day-to-day. Temporary dips or drops in hormones could result in breasts feeling less sore for a period of time. As long as no bleeding occurs, short-lived reductions in hormones are considered normal and not harmful.
Reduced Blood Flow
Changes in blood flow to the breasts may also impact soreness levels. When blood flow increases to the breasts, swelling and sensitivity often increases too. If blood flow slows for a time, either from changes in hormones or simply shifting positions, tenderness could diminish temporarily.
Breast Tissue Changes
As pregnancy progresses, the milk ducts, milk glands and supportive breast tissue adapt to the high hormone levels. Although the breasts continue growing, sometimes the tissues get somewhat used to the extra pressure and feel less uncomfortable. Soreness may wax and wane as the breasts gradually acclimate to the hormone changes.
Increased Progesterone Sensitivity
Some research indicates increased sensitivity to progesterone could contribute to breast tenderness in pregnancy. Women who experience severe breast pain are more likely to have higher progesterone sensitivity. As the body adapts to the flood of hormones, receptors could become less reactive, causing soreness to fade.
Normal Hormonal Fluctuations
Breast pain and tenderness often decreases around 13-16 weeks as the body adjusts to the spike in hormones of early pregnancy. However, many women experience recurrent breast soreness later in the second or third trimester as hormones fluctuate. Surges in estrogen can cause temporary soreness even as the due date approaches.
Pregnancy After Breastfeeding
For women who have recently breastfed, the breasts may be less sensitive during a subsequent pregnancy since the milk ducts have already undergone changes and expansion. Having breastfed in the past can minimize breast tenderness in early pregnancy.
Is it Possible to Miscarry Without Symptoms?
It is possible in some cases to have a miscarriage without obvious symptoms. However, a missed miscarriage (also known as a silent miscarriage) rarely occurs without some warning signs.
Some symptoms that a missed miscarriage may be occurring include:
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Cramping pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden disappearance of pregnancy symptoms
- Sensing the pregnancy “doesn’t feel right”
Even without significant bleeding, the uterus will often contract and try to expel pregnancy tissue, causing noticeable cramping. Hormone levels also fall rapidly with a missed miscarriage, so nausea and breast soreness disappearing could indicate a problem.
Make sure to contact your doctor right away if you have any concerning symptoms. They can perform an ultrasound to check for a heartbeat and rule out a miscarriage.
Other Causes of Breast Pain During Pregnancy
While most breast pain early in pregnancy is considered normal, sometimes soreness can indicate an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. See your doctor if pain is severe or only affects one breast. Other possible causes include:
Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breast disease causes noncancerous cysts and fibrous tissue to develop in the breasts. The lumpy, dense breast tissue can become inflamed and painful. Discomfort typically increases right before menstruation. The condition may worsen during pregnancy when hormones exacerbate cysts and fibrosis.
Engorgement
Some women experience painful engorgement of the breasts in late pregnancy as milk supply increases. The breasts swell and feel rock hard, warm to the touch and extremely tender. Engorgement often arises soon after giving birth if milk builds up before breastfeeding is established.
Plugged Milk Duct
A clogged or blocked milk duct can lead to localized pain, redness, swelling and a tender lump in the breast. Plugged ducts sometimes develop as milk supply increases, but inadequate draining or compression of the breast can also cause back ups. Plugged ducts tend to be more common after childbirth, but can occasionally happen in late pregnancy as well.
Breast Infection (Mastitis)
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, breast swelling and redness, and severe pain or burning while breastfeeding. Left untreated, breast infections can form abscesses. Mastitis typically arises after childbirth once breastfeeding has started.
Herpes Outbreak
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger herpes simplex virus hominis type 1 or 2. Blistery sores develop on the breasts or nipples, accompanied by burning, itching and pain. Herpes outbreaks often reappear in the same location with each pregnancy.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Breast Pain
Severe or sudden breast pain can signal an emergency in some cases during pregnancy. Seek prompt medical care if you experience:
- Stabbing, severe pain in a localized area of the breast
- One breast much larger/smaller than the other or enlarging rapidly
- Nipple discharge, especially if bloody or only affecting one breast
- Hard, warm, red lump in the breast
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) along with breast pain
- Intense pain not relieved by Tylenol and cold compresses
These symptoms can indicate an infection like mastitis or abscess. Severe pain warrants immediate evaluation to rule out inflammatory breast cancer as well. While very rare in pregnancy, inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive type that can progress quickly. Seek medical care promptly for sudden, unexplained breast pain or swelling.
Coping with Breast Pain During Pregnancy
For routine breast soreness caused by hormonal changes, there are some things you can do at home for relief:
- Wear a supportive bra, avoiding underwire bras which can dig in
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs to ease pain and swelling
- Use OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed
- Try over-the-counter topical gels containing ibuprofen or aspirin (if approved by your provider)
- Get plenty of rest and avoid crossing your arms which compresses breasts
- Sleep in a comfortable position, even propping breasts up with pillows
- Apply moist heat before bed to encourage milk flow and drainage
- Gently massage breasts in shower using hands or loofah in a circular motion
- Avoid caffeine and very spicy foods which can exacerbate tenderness
While frustrating, keep in mind that breast discomfort is temporary and a small price to pay for the joy of nurturing a new life! Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider, however, if pain seems abnormal or severe.
When to Expect Breast Soreness to End
For most women, breast tenderness significantly diminishes around the start of the second trimester as hormones plateau. Some women continue experiencing breast pain on and off throughout pregnancy, however. Others don’t notice improvements until closer to the third trimester.
While frustrating, try to be patient if breast soreness lingers longer than expected. Keep tabs on any unusual breast changes and consult your obstetrician if pain becomes severe or persistent. But in most cases, you can expect the tenderness to gradually dissipate as your body becomes accustomed to the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy.
In general, breast pain is unlikely to persist beyond the first trimester. Let your healthcare provider know if you still have severe breast tenderness after the first trimester so underlying conditions like fibrocystic breasts can be evaluated.
Should I Be Concerned if Breast Soreness Disappears?
If you have been experiencing breast tenderness as an early sign of pregnancy, it’s understandable to worry if the soreness suddenly stops. However, a reduction or loss of breast tenderness alone is rarely cause for alarm.
Keep in mind that hormone levels fluctuate widely, especially early on. Temporary dips in progesterone and estrogen can dampen breast sensitivity for a period before rising again. It’s also common for breasts to feel less painful between 8-12 weeks as the body adapts to the hormones.
As long as no other symptoms of miscarriage are present, try not to read too much into changes in breast soreness. Miscarriage is exceedingly rare once a fetal heartbeat has been detected.
That said, do pay attention to other signs like cramping, bleeding or disappearance of nausea/fatigue. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any concerns – even just for reassurance. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to precious pregnancies. But in most cases, waving goodbye to breast tenderness is something to celebrate, not fret over.
Conclusion
Breast tenderness is one of the most common symptoms women experience in early pregnancy. But it is possible for soreness to decrease or disappear entirely without signalling a problem. Given the dramatic hormonal fluctuations happening, it is very normal for symptoms like breast pain to come and go. While you should never ignore worrisome signs, try not to panic if your breasts suddenly feel less tender. Your doctor can provide an ultrasound and labs to ease your mind if you have any concerns. But in most cases, soreness fading is a good thing allowing you to enjoy your pregnancy without discomfort. Trust your provider to guide you, take it easy and cherish the miracle growing inside you.