{"id":101182,"date":"2020-08-19T11:40:28","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T09:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=101182"},"modified":"2022-07-13T15:07:07","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T13:07:07","slug":"montgomery-tubercles-sign-of-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/montgomery-tubercles-sign-of-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Montgomery Tubercles \u2013 an early sign of pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Montgomery tubercles<\/strong>, also known as Montgomery glands<\/strong>, are raised white bumps that look similar to goosebumps on the nipple and surrounding areola. They are named after William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish physician and obstetrician who first described them in 1837. Although it is fair to assume that many thousands of women, over many generations, have been aware of their existence well before then!<\/p>\n

Although this is not always the case, Montgomery tubercles<\/strong> can be an early sign of pregnancy. There is an established connection between Montgomery tubercles and pregnancy<\/strong>\u00a0as these small glands have specific functions and benefits for both mother and a breastfeeding child.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Montgomery tubercles<\/strong> are, what causes them and how they function. We also have some tips for how to recognise when the tubercles are normal or when they may signal a problem.<\/p>\n

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What are Montgomery tubercles?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tubercles are sebaceous glands, which you have all over your body but are particularly active in some specific areas. Their basic function is to lubricate and protect the skin. These are the same glands that produce the natural lubrication that makes hair supple, or greasy if left unwashed, and can cause oily skin, especially during puberty.\u00a0 These glands are only known as Montgomery tubercles <\/strong>when they are on the nipples and areolas of your breasts. Here, they have a similar function, producing secretions which are rich in moisturising lipids to lubricate the skin of the nipples and provide a protective oily barrier to guard against infection.<\/p>\n

\"Breast<\/p>\n

We all know that breasts and nipples come in a very wide variety of shapes and sizes, and the same goes for Montgomery tubercles. <\/strong>These tubercles may vary in number from only one or two to as many as 30. The number of areolar glands can also increase in response to hormonal changes \u2013 the most obvious example being pregnancy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Are Montgomery\u00a0tubercles a sign of early pregnancy?<\/h2>\n

While Montgomery tubercles<\/strong> can be an early sign of pregnancy, this is not experienced by all pregnant women. Studies have shown between 30% and 50% of pregnant women notice these tubercles and when they do occur, they can be one of the very first signs, even before a missed period. Of course, nobody should take the sudden appearance of Montgomery tubercles as an isolated confirmation of pregnancy. It’s important to look out for other, more common symptoms, such as:<\/p>\n