Which of the following changes occur in the breasts during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes stimulate various adaptations in the body to prepare for lactation. One notable change is the enlargement and darkening of the areola. This is primarily driven by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which facilitate the development of milk-producing glands and ensure that the area is more prominent and recognizable to the newborn. The darkening of the areola can also help the baby locate the nipple for breastfeeding.

This change plays an important role in the maternal-infant bond and nursing success. The larger and darker areola offers a visual target for the infant, assisting in successful latching and feeding. Understanding the physiological changes in breast tissue during pregnancy is crucial for those trained in midwifery, as it can inform care and education provided to expectant mothers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological changes that accompany pregnancy. For instance, Montgomery tubercles typically enlarge rather than reduce in size, blood vessels become more visible due to increased blood flow, and breast size generally increases as the body prepares for feeding.