Primary breast engorgement is very common, affecting an estimated two-thirds of people within the first week postpartum. However, there is some evidence that primary breast engorgement is more likely or more severe in first pregnancies (primiparous), in people who are unable to breastfeed within the first hour after delivery or have difficulty breastfeeding (either for maternal or infant reasons), in people who experience premenstrual breast tenderness and engorgement, in people who have breast surgery or a lumpectomy, and in people who receive large amounts of intravenous fluids during labor.[1]
Are some people more likely to experience breast engorgement?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Primary breast engorgement is common and affects approximately two-thirds of individuals in the first week postpartum, but it is more likely or severe in first pregnancies, in individuals who are unable to breastfeed shortly after delivery, in individuals with premenstrual breast tenderness, in those with a history of breast surgery, and in those who received large amounts of intravenous fluids during labor.