Expert Q&A
I'm in the 23rd week of my pregnancy and one of my breasts has become noticeably larger than the other. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
Probably not. Most women are lop-sided to some extent -- chances are you were before you were pregnant, although the differences may have been less pronounced than they are now that your breasts are gearing up to make milk. It is completely normal for one breast to make more milk than the others, either due to anatomical variation, or often your baby will have a preference and nurse longer and more efficiently at one breast than the other. Is the smaller breast getting larger -- even at a slower rate? That would be a good sign. If it is not getting larger throughout the pregnancy, then there might be a problem with milk production in that breast, but that is very rare. And, worse case scenario, you can totally nurse from one breast and make enough milk for your baby -- think of the breastfeeding moms with twins! You can always ask your healthcare provider to check your breasts at your next prenatal visit, but chances are, everything is OK.
By Melissa Clark Vickers
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.
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