ARMPIT LUMPS: THE PREGNANCY SYMPTOM NO ONE TALKS ABOUT
BY MADAME SWEAT
It is no secret that pregnancy causes many changes in the body over the course of its term and continues to affect bodily changes in postpartum. Physical changes and discomforts such as aches, fatigue and bladder issues are all common, however one often overlooked area is your armpits.
As a natural deodorant product developer, I know that pregnant women suffer in the armpit department from excess sweating and odor, but one shocking symptom of pregnancy is a rare occurrence commonly referred to as “the pitties”.
THE ANATOMICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN ARMPITS AND BREASTS
The breast area is intricately connected to the armpit area as breast tissue extends from the edge of the sternum out to the midaxillary line (the underarm). A tail of breast tissue called the “axillary tail of Spence” extends into the underarm area and is important due to the fact that breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail even though is it not located within the actual breast.
In addition to this breast tissue connection, two parallel lines of glandular tissue called the milk line (or mammary ridge) extend from the underarm area, down the chest and abdomen to the groin area.
SO WHAT ARE 'PITTIES'?
“Pitties” are egg-shaped lumps within the armpit area that can look quite alarming, but are in fact harmless. These lumps occur when the milk-producing tissues found in the Tail of Spence become engorged during the early stages of breastfeeding when the milk is being produced.
So, these lumps are milk ducts that are filled with breast milk!
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU GET THESE ARMPIT LUMPS
Luckily, pitties are not worrisome to the body and can be treated with a cool compress. Depending on the size, engorged tissues can take anywhere from twenty-four to forty-eight hours to subside. Should they not subside a visit to your family Doctor would be suggested.
CARING FOR PREGNANCY ARMPITS
If you’ve suffered engorged underarm and breast tissues, it’s time to pay special attention to your underarm as it is incredibly sensitive and prone to irritations. I would recommend a natural, baking soda-free charcoal deodorant. Eliminate all risk of irritations as baking soda is too abrasive, you need to be extra gentle around this region if you have engorged tissue.