If you’ve spent any time staring at your chest in the bathroom mirror lately, you probably noticed some changes. Pregnancy does a number on your body. Your shoes don't fit, you're suddenly crying at cereal commercials, and now your nipples look... different. Specifically, you might see small, pimple-like bumps on areola when pregnant that weren't there before—or at least weren't that obvious.
Don't panic. You aren't breaking out in nipple acne.
These little spots have a name: Montgomery tubercles. They are actually sebaceous (oil) glands that have decided to go into overdrive. They've always been there, just hanging out quietly, but now that your hormones are shifting, they’re basically "leveling up" to prepare for what’s coming next. It’s one of those weird, gritty details of pregnancy that people don't really mention in baby shower cards, but almost every person expecting a baby deals with them.
The Science Behind the Bumps
So, what are they actually doing? These aren't just decorative. These glands produce a lipoid fluid. Think of it as a natural, built-in lubricant and antibacterial cream.
The skin on your areola is about to go through a lot. Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, your body is prepping for the mechanical stress of a hungry infant. The fluid secreted by these bumps on areola when pregnant helps keep the skin supple. It prevents the nipple from drying out and cracking. Even more fascinating? Some researchers, like those published in the journal Nature, have suggested these glands emit a scent. Not a scent humans can easily detect with their conscious minds, but one that a newborn’s sensitive nose uses like a GPS to find the "food source."
Your body is literally growing a scent-trail for your baby. Evolution is wild.
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Why do they get so big now?
Hormones. It’s always hormones. Specifically, the surge in estrogen and progesterone tells these glands to enlarge. You might notice them as early as the first trimester. For some people, it’s actually one of the very first signs they are pregnant, even before a missed period. They can look like tiny whiteheads or just raised, flesh-colored skin tags.
They vary. Some women have three or four. Others have twenty. Both are totally normal.
Can You Get Rid of Them?
Honestly, no. And you shouldn't try.
Because they look a bit like whiteheads, the temptation to squeeze them is real. Do not do this. Squeezing Montgomery tubercles is a recipe for disaster. You’re basically opening a door for bacteria to enter a very sensitive area. If you irritate them, they can get infected, leading to a condition called mastitis or a localized abscess. That is a level of pain you do not want to deal with while also trying to navigate the third trimester.
They are functional. They are temporary. They aren't "clogged pores" in the traditional sense, so your favorite salicylic acid face wash has no business being anywhere near your chest right now.
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Spotting the "Not-Normal" Bumps
While most bumps on areola when pregnant are just Montgomery glands doing their thing, there are a couple of other things that can pop up.
- Ingrown hairs: You have hair follicles on your breasts. When skin stretches and oils change, a hair can get trapped. These are usually solo and a bit painful.
- Heat rash: If you’re wearing heavy maternity bras and sweating more than usual, you might get tiny red bumps.
- Infected Glands: If one specific bump becomes very red, hot to the touch, and extremely painful, it might be infected.
- Galactocele: This is more common during breastfeeding, but it's essentially a milk retention cyst.
If you see pus, feel a fever coming on, or the redness is spreading in a streak-like pattern, call your OB-GYN or midwife. Otherwise? Leave them be.
Caring for Your Skin
Since your skin is stretching, it might feel itchy. This is normal. The skin on the areola becomes thinner and more sensitive.
Avoid harsh soaps. Most commercial body washes have detergents that strip away the very oils those Montgomery glands are working so hard to produce. Switch to something super mild or just use warm water on the actual areola area. If you feel like the skin is getting too dry, a tiny bit of pure lanolin or a pregnancy-safe nipple cream can help, but usually, the glands have it covered.
Wear breathable fabrics. Cotton is your best friend. Synthetic lace might look cute, but it’s scratchy and traps sweat, which can irritate the bumps on areola when pregnant. If you’re at home, honestly? Going bra-less for a bit can give the skin some much-needed air.
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Will they ever go away?
Yes. Usually.
Once you finish breastfeeding—or after delivery if you aren't breastfeeding—your hormone levels will eventually settle back to their baseline. The glands typically shrink back down and become less noticeable again. They might not disappear entirely, but they’ll go back to being the "invisible" version you had before the "plus" sign appeared on the stick.
Actionable Steps for Management
If the bumps are bothering you or you're worried about skin health, here is the straightforward path forward:
- Audit your bra drawer. If your bras are too tight, they’ll chafe against the tubercles. Move up a size or switch to soft nursing bras earlier than you think you need to.
- Keep it simple. Wash your breasts with warm water only. Skip the scented lotions and heavy perfumes on your chest area.
- Hands off. No picking, no squeezing, no "popping."
- Watch for the "Big Three": Pain, heat, and spreading redness. If you have those, it’s time for a professional medical opinion.
- Stay hydrated. Internal hydration affects skin elasticity and gland function more than any topical cream ever will.
Your body is essentially retooling itself into a survival system for another human. These bumps are just a small, slightly weird part of that massive biological shift. If they aren't hurting, they're working. Let them do their job.