Breast Lump in Pregnancy: A Guide to Understanding and Addressing Concerns

Breast lump in pregnancy is a common concern for moms, this usually occurs due to hormonal changes that affect breast tissue. Breast lumps are a symptom of a variety of underlying conditions and may or may not be related to something serious; many lumps are benign and the body's response to natural physiological changes. Having to know what breast lumps are, helps reduce anxiety and helps preserve the health of both mom and the baby.

Is it Normal to have Breast Lumps during Pregnancy?

Breast lumps during pregnancy are completely normal. This is very common during pregnancy and is usually benign. Breast lumps during pregnancy could be due to many things, including clogged milk ducts, cysts, fibroadenoma, or hormonal changes. Most women think they have cancer after feeling little lumps along their breasts. But do not be scared because breast cancer during pregnancy is a rare occurrence.

How do You know if it's a Lump or Breast Tissue?

Breast lumps happen for many reasons. The lumps can be hard, smooth, soft, or round. But having breast lumps doesn’t mean you have breast cancer.

A breast lump is usually more solid than breast tissue, and it can feel different in such ways:

Texture and Feeling - Lumps can feel hard, smooth, movable, round, jagged, or stationary. They might also feel like a pea or a grape or be bumpy and squishy.

Size - Lump sizes vary from a pea size to something larger than a golf ball.

Location - Breast lumps can occur in the breast tissue or near the armpit.

Pain Level - Lumps on the breast are usually painless but can be painful and tender on some occasions

On the other hand, breast tissues can feel spongy and lumpy, so it is really hard to tell if what you are feeling is a lump or a normal breast tissue. If the lump feels like the rest of your breast, it is probably just normal breast tissue. However, you should get professional help from a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

1. A new lump that feels different from the rest of your breast.
2. A new lump that feels different from your other breast.
3. If something feels different from what you’ve felt before.

How to Check for a Breast Lump?

A breast lump is a bump of swelling tissue. Breast lumps might protrude from your breasts, or you can notice it by feeling your breasts.

However, experts no longer advise periodic breast self-exams among women with an average risk for breast cancer because there's no benefit, and more women have invasive biopsies for benign diseases. Yet, though regular self-breast exams are not encouraged, being breast self-aware with an emphasis on general breast health is a good way of being proactive for your health.

Self-awareness means being familiar with your breasts and their normal lumps or bumps so you can easily tell your doctor when something unusual occurs. Being self-aware is also important, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. But remember that the “abnormalities” felt in the breast during these times are benign and normal, so don't worry if you find something.

What are the Possible Causes for a Breast Lump During Pregnancy?

Breast lumps during pregnancy are usually benign; however, being aware of unusual changes, such as new lumps or if a new lump shows up, is important. There are a couple of reasons that cause breast lumps during pregnancy, including:

1. Hormonal changes -Hormones change during pregnancy, and hormonal fluctuations cause a change of density in breast tissue, which can lead to lumps.
2. Breast engorgement - Breast engorgement occurs especially when the body starts producing colostrum and as it transitions to mature milk which can cause lumps to develop.
3. Clogged milk duct -The clogged milk duct, also known as “galactocele,” is one of the common causes of breast lumps during pregnancy. Clogged milk ducts are usually tender, hard, and red.
4. Fibrocystic changes - Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fibrocystic changes in the breasts.
5. Benign breast tumors - These are abnormal growths of breast tissue that can lead to breast lumps.
6. Lipoma - Lipoma is a non-serious condition that is caused by fatty tissue buildup in the breast. Lipomas are soft and moveable.

How to Treat Bumps on Breast During Pregnancy?

Treating breast lumps during pregnancy depends on the type of lump and its cause. Pregnancy can lead to false positive or false negative results, so it is important to see a healthcare professional to know the tests that you need:

1. Clogged milk duct. This is the most common cause of breast lumps during pregnancy. If your doctor determines that the lump is likely due to a clogged duct, apply a warm compress regularly, get into a warm shower, and massage the area. Momcozy Massager offers both breast massage and warmth, which should help unclog the buildup. This massager helps relieve clogged milk ducts with lesser discomfort, alleviating common breastfeeding issues.

2. Some fibroadenomas go away on their own, even without treatment. If the biopsy confirms that the lump is not cancerous, it will be monitored for changes. But if surgery is needed, a procedure called cryoablation will be done. It is where the lump is cut off or frozen.
3. Breast cyst. If you have a breast abscess, seeing the doctor is the best option. The treatment usually involves antibiotics and draining the abscess with a needle and syringe.
4. Lipomas are made up of fatty lumps that are slow-growing and are usually soft and move around when touched. They do not require treatment but can be surgically removed if it is causing discomfort.

What are the Signs of Concerns for Lumps on Breast while Pregnant?

If you are an expectant mom and you notice a bump or lump in your breasts, being attentive to any changes is important. While some lumps can be benign and related to pregnancy hormones, others may be more concerning. Here are signs to look after:

1. Persistent Growth- If the lump is continuously growing, it may be a sign that it is something serious. Benign lumps typically don’t grow quickly.
2. Hard or Irregular Shape -A hard, uneven, or lumps with irregular borders could cause concerns since benign lumps are usually smooth and have well-defined edges.
3. Pain or Tenderness - Breast tenderness is normal during pregnancy, but if the lump is painful and doesn’t go away, it should be checked.
4. Unexplainable Discharge- If you are experiencing a discharge in your nipple, particularly if it is clear, bloody, or pus-like, this could signal an issue.
5. Axillary Lumps (Under the Arm) - A lump under the arm (in the lymph nose area) associated with a breast lump may impose an infection or a more serious condition, such as cancer.

While most lumps during pregnancy are benign, it is important to have any new lump examined by a doctor to rule out potential concerns. Early evaluation and intervention are key for health and peace of mind.

What other Possible Breast Changes During Pregnancy?

Breast changes during pregnancy can occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Breast changes when pregnant occur as early as one week after conception and will continue up until childbirth. Breast changes vary from woman to woman and will happen even if you choose to breastfeed or not.

Early Pregnancy: The breasts might feel sore and tender, and you might notice some tingling sensation. The areolas or the dark skin around the nipples may also swell.

Second Trimester: The areolas may darken, and develop lumps. You may also experience nipple discharge and breast lumps.

Third Trimester: The breasts will continue to grow, and stretch marks are also starting to develop. The production of colostrum is already starting. This first milk is essential for newborn babies as it contains important minerals and nutrients.

After Pregnancy: The breasts may swell and feel fuller due to milk production. They may also become softer three weeks postpartum.

FAQs

Can pregnancy hormones cause lumps?

Yes, pregnancy hormones can cause breast lumps or changes in breast tissue. During pregnancy, the body experiences several changes. An increase in hormones like estrogen and progesterone could lead to several benign breast changes, including:

Fibrocystic Changes: Hormonal imbalance causes benign cysts or lumps to develop in breasts. These can be firm in nature, lumpy in texture, swollen or tender, and sensitive to the touch.

Breast Tissue Enlargement: The breasts are starting to prepare for breastfeeding. This includes the growth of milk glands, which can sometimes feel like lumps or thickened areas in the breasts.

Pregnancy-Related Cysts: Fluid-filled cysts may also be formed within the breast tissue due to the changing levels of hormones in the body. The size of these cysts can vary, and they might be more noticeable toward the end of pregnancy if they are sensitive to touch.

Lumps or Nodules: Some women will develop benign nodules, including fibroadenomas, firm, rubbery, benign tumors, or other types of nodules that can become more apparent during pregnancy due to the changing hormone levels.

What do pregnancy bumps on the breast look like?

Pregnancy bumps on the breast, also known as Montgomery tubercles, are small, raised bumps that are visible around the nipple and areola. These bumps can be white, red, yellow, or the same color as the areola. They are usually about one to two millimeters in size.

Is it good to press the breasts during pregnancy?

This may be generally safe to do for the pregnant woman as sometimes, pressing or massage helps stimulate the growth of milk supply, though it is only done with care and proper attention. Here are some things to take into consideration:

1. Increased Sensitivity: With pregnancy, due to the hormonal changes brought about in the body, the breasts will be very sensitive and ache upon deep pressure. Gentle being soft would be better so as not to cause any pain.

2. Nipple Stimulation: Some women report that nipple stimulation triggers contractions, especially towards the end of pregnancy, so it is best to avoid nipple stimulation unless you are almost in labor and your provider has cleared it.

3. Benefits: Light massage or gentle pressing can help circulation and reduce discomfort from the enlargement of breast tissue. Some women report that this relieves tenderness or formation of blocked milk ducts.

4. Breast Changes Much happens to the breasts during pregnancy: colostrum is the very first sign that early breast milk is happening. If you notice that something has gone wrong, or in case of some pain, discharge, and lumps, always ask your doctor.

How do you know if you have a clogged milk duct while pregnant?

One of the biggest signs of a clogged milk duct is a hard lump on your breast. It feels painful and sore when you touch it. The breasts may look red or larger than usual. If you’ve ever dealt with engorgement, the lump from a clogged duct feels like that.

What are the lumps on my nipples during pregnancy?

The lumps you’re noticing on your nipples during pregnancy are likely Montgomery's glands, which are normal and quite common. Here’s a bit more detail about them:

1. Montgomery's Glands: These are small raised bumps on the areola, the dark area around the nipple. It gets bumpy during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Montgomery's Glands serve the purpose of producing a secretion that helps lube the nipples and guard them, especially in breastfeeding.
2. Hormonal Increase: Pregnancy causes an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which makes these glands more visible and sometimes enlarged.
3. Other Causes: However, Montgomery's glands are the most common cause, and you may notice other variations, such as temporary lumps or bumps due to normal changes in breast tissue or even small benign cysts.

Conclusion

Breast lumps during pregnancy are a common occurrence and are typically caused by hormonal changes that affect the breast tissue. While most lumps are benign and part of the body’s natural response to pregnancy, expectant mothers need to stay aware of any changes in their breasts. Understanding the normal changes can help alleviate anxiety and ensure peace of mind.

However, if any new or unusual lumps appear, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider. Early evaluation is key to ruling out potential concerns and maintaining both maternal and fetal health. Regular self-awareness, rather than self-exams, is encouraged to monitor any new developments, helping to preserve the health and well-being of both mom and baby.