Many things about your body change when you are pregnant. Next to your rapidly swelling belly, the next in line for these big changes are your breasts. They’ll become bigger, denser, and more sensitive.
Your nipples will also become bigger, darker in colour and even change shape. But one of the more subtle changes that not many pregnant mums are aware of is the appearance of Montgomery tubercles.
What are these tiny bumps that appear on your areolas? Do they have a function? To find out what exactly these bumps around your nipple are, we’ve made a complete guide to help you become more informed about them.
We’ll be discussing what every mum should know such as its function, why they appear at all as well as when you should worry.
This is what Montgomery’s tubercles look like. | Image courtesy: Screengrab/ HealthMaza
Montgomery’s Tubercles: What Every Mum Should Know
The dark area around your nipple, also known as the areola, has tiny sebaceous (oil) glands. They appear as small bumps that you may or may not notice before pregnancy. These are known as Montgomery tubercles (or areolar glands).
These glands become larger and raised during pregnancy, almost like tiny pimples or goosebumps. Just like each woman has a unique breast, nipple and areola shape and size, Montgomery tubercles also differ in size and quantity from person to person.
Pregnant women might notice anywhere between just two to 28 or more tubercles per areola.
What Is The Function Of Montgomery Tubercles?
Similar to the way oil glands on the rest of your body function to keep the skin lubricated and hydrated, Montgomery tubercles too work in the same way.
When you are breastfeeding in particular, they produce secretions rich in lipids that lubricate your nipples. Importantly, this secretion functions as a barrier against infection, protecting both your breast milk and your baby.
In addition to creating a protective coating, the secretion produced by Montgomery tubercles also release a scent that helps guide your newborn to your nipples.
This is why it’s important that breastfeeding mums do not use soap to wash their nipples. By doing this, you risk washing off this important, germ-fighting barrier.
You should also avoid applying any disinfectants or other substances to your nipples. Cleaning them with water is more than enough. Otherwise, you can just rub a few drops of your breast milk on your nipples and let it dry.
In breastfeeding, Montgomery’s tubercles play an important protective role. | Image courtesy: iStock
Why Do Montgomery Tubercles Enlarge In Pregnancy?
You’re probably also wondering why these enlarge during your pregnancy. Just as everything else in your body goes through hormonal changes when you have a baby going inside of you, even your breasts go through such changes.
Your body releases many hormones in pregnancy. These hormones cause changes in your breasts, preparing them for lactation and breastfeeding.
As part of these changes in your breasts, Montgomery tubercles too will change, becoming more prominent and raised. There is rarely pain associated with this but you might find that your areolas are more sensitive than ever.
Signs Of Infection In Montgomery Tubercles
It is possible for these glands to get blocked, infected or inflamed. Keep an eye out for:
- Painful swelling around your nipples
- Redness
- Extremely enlarged Montgomery tubercles
- Itching
- Bleeding
If you notice any of these signs or anything unusual at all around your breasts, you should see a doctor immediately.
Will These Tiny Bumps Ever Go Away?
Image Source: Pexels
Yes, they will, usually once you are done with breastfeeding. They are a completely normal part of healthy breast anatomy and indicate your breasts are functioning properly.
Some women do have prominent Montgomery tubercles without being pregnant or breastfeeding. If this is the case and you are bothered by them, then you may speak to a doctor about removing them surgically.
However, if you’d rather turn to home remedies to reduce their size and appearance, you can try the following:
- Soak a small towel in warm water and press it against your nipples every night for around 20 minutes
- Apply shea butter or aloe vera gel around your nipples
- Drink plenty of water each day
- Reduce sugar and salt intake that could contribute to the enlarging of the tubercles.
We hope you found this article on Montgomery tubercles useful and informative.
References: Health, VeryWell Family
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