Lumps in the breast during pregnancy, is it natural or not?

Pregnancy will change many things in your body, including your breasts. In addition to getting bigger, you may find that your nipples may be more sensitive than usual. Other changes are related to the glands around the breast area, precisely in the areola. This change is the appearance of a lump in the breast during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Relax, the condition known as the Montgomery tubercle is quite normal.

What are Montgomery tubercles?

Montgomery's tubercles are small bumps on the nipple and areola (the area around the nipple that is dark in color). This is normal during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Montgomery's glands secrete oil (sebaceous) glands which help lubricate the aerola and nipples during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, these glands will enlarge and prepare the mother for breastfeeding.

The number of lumps in each person is different. Some may have only a little, while others may have more. Pregnant women may have between 2-28 lumps on each nipple, or more.

These lumps in the breast sometimes become more prominent when the nipple is stimulated or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The lumps and areola may become darker in color and larger. Research has found between 30-50 percent of pregnant women develop Montgomery tubercles.

This lump in the breast will go away on its own. However, if the lump appears inflamed or painful, it may be infected or blocked. Immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment.

You can identify Montgomery tubercles by looking for small, raised breast lumps around the areola. However, these small bumps can also appear on the nipples. The lumps usually look like a lump.

What are the causes of Montgomery tubercles?

Hormonal changes are often the cause of Montgomery's tubercles to enlarge around the nipples, especially during pregnancy, around puberty, and during menstruation.

Breast changes are often an early symptom of pregnancy. So, Montgomery tubercles around the nipple may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. If you see this lump and have other pregnancy symptoms, you should have a home pregnancy test. If positive, the doctor can confirm your pregnancy.

Later in pregnancy, you may notice an increase in the bumps on your nipples as your body prepares to breastfeed. Your nipples may become darker and bigger as your pregnancy progresses. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Montgomery's tubercles allow you to breastfeed smoothly and are lubricated. These glands secrete oil that is antibacterial, thus protecting the breasts from germs during breastfeeding. The secretions of these glands can make breast milk (ASI) uncontaminated before it is swallowed by the baby.

In addition, the scent released from these glands can be detected by the baby, helping to direct the baby to the breast to latch on while breastfeeding.

It is important for nursing mothers not to wash their nipples with soap. Also avoid disinfectants or other substances that can dry out or damage the area around the nipples. Instead, rinse your breasts with water during the shower.

Other common causes include:

Excessive stress.
Unbalanced hormone levels.
Breast cancer.
Physical changes in the body, such as weight gain or loss.
Certain drugs.
Nipple stimulation.
Wear tight clothes or bras.

Even so, not all pregnant women experience breast lumps or Montgomery tubercles. So don't worry if you haven't seen a lump in your breast during pregnancy.

Lumps in the breast that need special care

Montgomery's tubercles or lumps in the breasts can become blocked, inflamed, or infected. If you experience any of the conditions below, contact your doctor immediately to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

A breast lump becomes painful redness or swelling around the nipple area.
Other unusual breast changes.
Have vaginal discharge and you are not breastfeeding.
Experiencing itching and rash on the breast.
There is blood on the lump in the breast.
A pus-filled lump (abscess).

In rare cases, a change in appearance around the nipple area may be a symptom of breast cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any other symptoms of breast cancer, including a hard lump in the breast, a change in the shape or size of the breast or nipple, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, uncontrolled weight loss, and nipple discharge.

What to do with the Montomery tubercle lumps?

A lump in the breast due to Montgomery's tubercles is usually normal and your breasts can still function as they should. The lump will usually shrink or disappear on its own after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding and want to get rid of this lump, your doctor may recommend surgery. This is a cosmetic surgery procedure, and may be recommended if the breast lump is causing pain or inflammation.

Don't remove the lump by squeezing it until it breaks. This will actually increase the risk of infection in your nipples. In addition, it will cause worse aches and pains.

If you want to reduce the size of Montgomery's bumps at home and you are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you can try the following home remedies:

Press a towel dipped in warm water against your nipples for about 20 minutes each night.
Rub aloe vera gel, shea butter, or cocoa butter around your nipples.
Drink lots of water and reduce sugar intake.
Eat a healthy diet, and cut back on sugar and salt to reduce congestion in the glands that can increase the size of the lump in the breast.

You can also maintain the cleanliness and health of your breast area including the nipples and areola. Here are tips for keeping the nipples and areola clean and moisturized during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Wash the breasts with clean water, avoid soap and disinfectants that cause dry and irritated skin.
Do not use astringents because they can interfere with oil production from Montgomery's glands.
You can apply a few drops of milk (breast milk) after breastfeeding to the nipples and areola for added moisture.
If the skin of the nipples and areola is cracked or sore, use modified lanolin to promote healing. Make sure to clean it before breastfeeding your baby.
You can use breast shells which can help protect the nipples from soreness while breastfeeding. Or nipple shields to protect the nipples during breastfeeding.