Breast Changes and Pain: Are They Signs of Pregnancy?

Chest pain & pregnancy issues

Hello Doctor: Recently, on the 18th, my menstrual period just ended, and it lasted for 7 days as usual.
However, on the 19th, while taking a shower, I noticed that my nipples sometimes appear flat and sometimes protrude.
When they are flat, my breasts feel softer, and it seems like my breasts are also getting larger.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy? Sometimes my breasts hurt, and I also feel pain in the inner upper part of my arms.
Should I be concerned about breast cancer or lumps? Additionally, I've been experiencing back pain lately; could this be related to pregnancy, or is it just because I've been sitting in class for too long without moving? Or could the changes and pain in my breasts and nipples simply be due to my development during puberty? It has been three months since my last intimate contact (which did not involve intercourse, just touching, and I'm unsure if there was any contact with secretions).
That encounter also occurred during my menstrual period, and I have had my period for the past three months (although it has been a few days to a week late each time), with normal flow.
I have taken two pregnancy tests, both of which were negative.
However, I sometimes feel a vibrating sensation in my abdomen, which is quite rapid and intense; I'm not sure if this is due to just having had bubble tea, causing intestinal movement, or if it could be fetal movement? Lastly, my abdomen feels somewhat firm and can be pinched into a lump, and when I tighten my lower abdomen, it can reduce to just a small protrusion.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or could it just be fat? XD I've also felt some pain in my lower abdomen yesterday and today, but I'm uncertain if this is due to other reasons or pregnancy?

Dai Mao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On the 18th, my menstrual period just ended, and it lasted for 7 days as usual.
However, on the 19th, while taking a shower, I noticed that my nipples sometimes appear flat and sometimes protrude.
When they are flat, my breasts feel softer, and it seems like my breasts are getting larger.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy?
Answer: No, it is not pregnancy.
Breasts can sometimes be painful, and I also experience pain in the inner upper part of my arms.
Could this indicate breast cancer or a lump?
Answer: No, it is not breast cancer or a lump.
Additionally, I've been experiencing back pain frequently.
Could this be related to pregnancy?
Answer: It is not related to pregnancy; it could be due to sitting still for too long during class.

Answer: It is possible that the changes and pain in my breasts and nipples are simply due to my development during puberty.

Answer: Yes, but it has been three months since the last intimate contact (which did not involve intercourse, only touching, and I am unsure if there was contact with any secretions).
That contact occurred during my menstrual period, and I have had my period for the past three months (although it has been a few days to even a week late each time), and the flow has been normal.
Both pregnancy tests have returned negative results.
However, I feel a vibrating sensation in my abdomen that is rapid and intense.
Could this be due to just having had milk tea, causing intestinal movement? Or is it the fetus moving?
Answer: It is likely the milk tea causing intestinal movement.
Ultimately, the abdomen feels somewhat protruded, but it can be pinched like a lump.
When I tighten my abdomen, it can reduce to just a small protrusion.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy; it is likely just fat.

Answer: It is fat.
Yesterday and today, I have also felt some pain in my lower abdomen, and I am unsure if there are other reasons or if it could be pregnancy.

Answer: There are other reasons; it is not pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/05/21

More Info

Breast changes and pain during pregnancy can be concerning, especially for first-time mothers. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be attributed to hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or even normal breast development. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

Firstly, breast tenderness and changes in breast size are common during pregnancy due to increased levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones prepare the body for breastfeeding and can cause the breasts to feel fuller, heavier, and sometimes painful. The fact that you noticed your nipples changing from flat to protruding can also be a normal response to hormonal fluctuations.
Regarding your concern about breast pain and the possibility of lumps, it’s important to note that many women experience benign breast conditions, especially during their menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Conditions such as fibrocystic breast changes, which are characterized by lumpy or painful breasts, are quite common and usually not a cause for alarm. However, if you feel a distinct lump that does not fluctuate with your menstrual cycle or if the pain is severe, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.

You mentioned experiencing pain in your upper arms and back, which could be related to muscle strain, especially if you have been sitting for long periods without movement. Poor posture can also contribute to back pain, particularly if you are engaged in activities that require prolonged sitting or if you are carrying heavy bags.
The sensation of "vibrations" in your abdomen could be attributed to various factors, including digestive activity, especially after consuming certain foods or beverages like milk tea, which can stimulate bowel movements. It is unlikely that this sensation is related to pregnancy, especially since you have had negative pregnancy tests and have been menstruating regularly.

As for the possibility of pregnancy, given that you have had two negative pregnancy tests and have been experiencing regular menstrual cycles, it seems less likely that you are pregnant. However, if you continue to have concerns or if your symptoms change, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a more comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies if necessary.

In summary, while breast tenderness and changes can be normal during pregnancy and your menstrual cycle, persistent or severe symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. They can provide reassurance, rule out any serious conditions, and offer guidance on managing discomfort. Remember, your health and peace of mind are paramount, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when in doubt.

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