sore armpits - related to pregnancy?

[mea]

I'm 39 wks pregnant (1st bub) and have sore armpits. They are quite tender to the touch and there feels like a soft pea sized swelling in the same place under both. About 3 weeks ago I had the same thing under one armpit but it went away after a few days.

I'm going to my GP on Saturday (in 2 days) so will ask about it then, but in the meantime, has this happened to anyone else? I wondered whether it might be related to developing milk ducts preparing for the baby. Can the ducts be in your armpits? Can they maybe get blocked? I have a vague feeling I've read something about this somewhere.

(Of course, I'm concerned it might be something more serious, trying not to worry about it though.)

Thanks,
Mea

[wattle]

I'd make sure someone has a look asap, if you've got a blocked duct the last thing you want is mastitis.

I haven't had this experience, but it sounds like it's probably milk related.

In the mean time put some warmth on the area and gently massage down towards your nipples. (you might squirt a bit of milk/cholostrum, but that's good if there's a blockage)

[jamb]

I'd get it looked at to just in case- no mastitis before bub gets here. Ihad a lump the size of a lime on about day 3- it took alot of massaging and hot flannels to reduce it down.

Basically from memory your milk ducts go up past your shoulder and a little down your arm- not sure if that is exactg but i remember thinking holy c*%#p they go a long way from your boobs!

Hope you get it sorted out and good luck

[JanetF]

Sounds like an overexcited milk duct. Your breasts are very eager to feed and nourish! Excellent :D Warmth and massage will help, and call your local ABA. :)

[mum2rhys]

I had exactly the same thing as you before I gave birth to my son four months ago. In 'Up The Duff"(excellent, hilarious pregnancy book by Kaz Cooke) it says that sore armpits and lumps in the armpits are called breast tails and are breasts getting over-excited about having to produce milk soon. Mine came and went for a while but never caused any issues. If you are worried though I would get it checked out with your doctor/midwife/ABA etc. Best of Luck :)

[mea]

Thanks so much for your replies, esp Mum2rhys.

I'll still ask my Dr about it, but in the meantime I don't feel so worried.

This website is great!

Now if anyone has some tips to encourage this baby out of me that would be great... (joking).

Mea.