In this article:
What Causes Breast Lumps During Pregnancy?
Your breasts start changing from early pregnancy as hormones rise and your body prepares to feed your baby. These changes can bring new or strange-feeling lumps that often make you worry at first. But in most cases, these lumps are harmless and part of normal pregnancy changes.Take a look at its causes:
- Hormonal changes: Your hormones are working overtime during pregnancy. Oestrogen and progesterone make your breast tissue grow and feel denser than before. This can lead to small lumps that come and go on their own.
- Engorgement: Once your body starts producing milk, your breasts can become full and heavy. This fullness is called engorgement. It makes your breasts feel tight, tender, and sometimes bumpy or uneven, especially as your early milk (colostrum) changes into mature milk.
- Fibrocystic changes: Your breast tissue thickens because of hormones, giving a lumpy feel.
- Clogged milk ducts (galactoceles): These form as early as the second trimester when ducts get blocked while preparing for nursing. It feels like a firm lump, sometimes tender or slightly red.
- Benign growths (fibroadenomas): Fibroadenomas are smooth, round lumps made up of normal breast cells that clump together. They’re non-cancerous and often shrink by themselves.
- Simple cysts: These are fluid-filled pockets that appear as part of fibrocystic changes or other reactions in the breast.
- Infections (mastitis or abscesses): If a lump comes with pain, redness, warmth, or you start feeling feverish, it could be an infection like mastitis. This happens when milk or bacteria get trapped in a duct.
What Breast Changes Are Normal in Pregnancy?
The following breast changes during pregnancy are completely normal, even if some take you by surprise at first:- Growth and fullness: Your breasts often increase by one or two cup sizes as blood flow and milk glands expand. They may feel heavier, fuller, and a bit firm to the touch. This is your body building up the milk-producing tissue.
- Tenderness: Soreness is one of the first signs of pregnancy for many. Your breasts and nipples may feel extra sensitive, tingly, or even slightly painful. This usually eases as your body adjusts to rising hormones.
- Nipple changes: Nipples become more prominent and pointy, making them easier for your baby to latch later.
- Areola darkening: The area around your nipple (areola) often gets darker and larger. You might notice tiny spots or bumps around it. These are Montgomery’s tubercles, small oil glands that keep your skin soft and ready for breastfeeding.
- Visible veins: You may see blue veins appear just under the skin, especially if your breasts have grown quickly. This happens because more blood is flowing through to nourish breast tissue and prepare for milk production.
- Leaking colostrum: Some people start leaking a yellowish fluid called colostrum, which is the first form of milk. It’s completely normal and shows your body is gearing up to feed your baby.
- Lumpy areas: You might feel some lumpy spots or thickened areas as your milk glands grow and ducts form. These are part of normal changes but can also be due to mild blockages.
When to Get a Breast Lump Checked During Pregnancy
Most breast lumps during pregnancy turn out to be harmless, but some changes deserve extra attention. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not helps you act early and stay at ease.- Sudden or growing lumps: If a lump appears quickly, keeps growing, or changes shape over time, it’s best to get it checked. Most pregnancy-related lumps stay about the same size or fade after a few days, so new growth is something to mention.
- Hard or uneven lumps: Lumps that feel firm, solid, or have uneven edges need medical review. While soft, movable lumps are often benign, hard ones can point to something that needs closer examination.
- Painful lumps: A blocked milk duct may hurt at first but should ease with warmth and gentle massage. If the pain stays or worsens even after home care, your doctor should take a look to rule out infection or other causes.
- Skin changes over the lump: Watch for changes in the breast skin, like redness, dimpling, thickening, or a scaly texture. These signs could mean irritation or inflammation.
- Unusual nipple discharge: Get yourself checked if you notice bloody, cloudy, or pus-like discharge.
- Lumps that don't go away: If a lump doesn’t shrink or respond to warm compresses and gentle care within a few days, book an appointment.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Breast Lumps During Pregnancy: What's Normal and What's Not
- Do breast lumps move when pressed?
Yes. Some benign lumps can move slightly under the skin, like cysts or fibroadenomas. - How to self-check breast lumps during pregnancy?
To self-check for breast lumps, gently feel your entire breast and underarm area using the pads of your fingers in small circular motions.