Breast Augmentation & Pregnancy

Many women want to know information about their breasts during pregnancy because breast-feeding is important for babies' development. Breast augmentation surgery does not stop many women from trying to breast-feed their children. They might have a difficult experience, or they may have no problems whatsoever. Women who are upset over their breasts' appearance after childbirth can find that breast augmentation surgery is a reasonable alternative.

Breast-Feeding

The majority of women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery are able to breast-feed. According to DocShop.com article "Breast Implants and Pregnancy," implants are inserted under the muscle, which creates a protective layer between the milk ducts and the implants. The incisions made during surgery should not affect breast-feeding. Many women who do and do not have breast augmentation choose to supplement breast-feeding with formula. The choice to supplement often has nothing to do with whether a woman had breast augmentation surgery.

Pregnancy Risks

Breast augmentation surgery should not put you at an increased risk during pregnancy. The main thing that might be a concern is if the saline or silicone implants leaked, which would demand immediate attention. A breast implant that has ruptured or is leaking should be examined by a medical professional. A surgeon needs to put new implants in or remove them quickly. They could potentially be a danger to the fetus.

Effect on the Implants

Pregnancy typically makes women's breasts stretch out of shape and sag. Many women with breast augmentation find that their breasts are not round and perky after they wean their baby. According to Breast-Plastic-Surgery.org article "Breast Implants and Pregnancy," women with large breast implants have worse problems with them sagging. A simple remedy is to have a breast lift after weaning. Women who are considering breast augmentation might want to consider waiting to get the surgery until their child is weaned.

Potential Problems

BabyCenter article "Breasfeeding after Augmentation" lists potential problems that happen from breast augmentation. They include increased or decreased sensitivity and significant engorgement accompanied by a heightened fever, pain and chills. Some women with breast augmentation also have trouble producing milk. There are methods to increase milk supply. For instance, a mother can do what lactation consultants refer to as a power pump. A power pump means the mother pumps for 15 minutes, waits 15 minutes without pumping and then starts pumping again for 15 minutes. She continues this process over the course of an hour.

Natural Breasts After Pregnancy

Many women who have not had breast augmentation experience breasts that sag after pregnancy and weaning. According to Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, M.D., in "Get Your Body Back after Having Children," implants, breast augmentation or a lift (mastopexy) can remedy the aesthetic results of pregnancy. Women can make informed decisions about whether to get augmentations or lifts by discussing their options with a licensed surgeon. Some women do not want a lift because it results in scars, and they opt for an augmentation instead.