Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Breast changes

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Normal

Posted by Steph on May 19, 1999 at 15:19:58

I am approximately 6 1/2 weeks pregnant. My breasts have been sore from the start but they are not changing in size or appearance. I am worried...What do Montgomery's Tubercles look like? Are they located on the very edge of the Areola or closer to the nipple? (my breasts were a 38C before pregnancy, I've had saline implants)
Please respond, this concerns me?

Another question- are there any signs/symptoms if you have a blighted ovum? Would there be a lack of symptoms if this was occurring?

thanks in advance for your help!

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 19, 1999 at 21:45:49

Dear Steph:
Montgomery's tubercles are the glands within the areola of the breast that are stimulated by the hormonal environment of pregnancy and give the areola a bumpy appearance and/or feel. They can occur anywhere on the areola. Breast soreness is normal during the second half of the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy.Although most women experience a change in breast size with pregnancy, the absence of this change has no meaning.

There are no symptoms of a blighted ovum. Since the trophoblast is the source of the hormones, early pregnancy looks the same whether the ovum is developing or is not developing. Spotting/bleeding is the only sign. Abnormal laboratory tests are the most common way a blighted ovum is discovered.

Keywords: Montgomery's tubercles

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.

 

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