Painless armpit lump at 29 weeks pregnant - anyone else had something similar?

[CheekyLittleD]

Hi all. I've had a painless, pea-sized lump located towards the bottom of my left armpit since late October-early November. It feels bigger in the shower than at any other time of day, but doesn't appear to have changed in size at all since I first spotted it.

It's soft and can be difficult to locate if I put my arm above my head, and you only really feel its true size if you press hard down on it. It's not visible from the outside at all either.

I went to my GP about it two weeks ago, and she took one look at my armpit before she felt it and said she could see I shave my armpits, so that's probably the cause.

She then had a little feel around and said it's probably shaving related and, possibly, an irritated lymph node, but she didn't think it was worth exploring further. So, keep an eye on it and come back if it gets bigger or painful.

I had a midwife appointment this morning and told her about it, and she had a feel of it too. She said I've done the right thing by asking my GP, and she reiterated their advice to keep an eye on it and get back in touch if anything changes. Or if I am overly worried about what it might be.

She also said pregnancy does come with unexplained lumps and bumps, and the GP probably wouldn't be able to do much about it (in treatment terms) until after the baby is born anyway. So, just see what happens. It might even go away after birth.

Would you be happy with this advice, but - also - has anyone else experienced something similar while pregnant? If so, how did it resolve itself?

I also had this but my GP referred me to the breast clinic as they said they don’t mess about with any lumps. Go back and insist on referral if you’re worried.

Mine was nothing by the way but the breast clinic did a really thorough assessment.

I was pregnant I should add. It eventually went away but I think everything should be checked. The breast clinic clearly didn’t think the GP was being over cautious. Get a referral.

Thank you for your swift response @skelter83- I'll get back in touch with my GP and ask about a referral, as I would really rather know with absolute confirmation that it's nothing to worry about, rather than have this "what if?" feeling hanging over me for the rest of my pregnancy.

Another one saying insist on a referral. It could indeed be absolutely nothing but all lumps should be assessed properly to be sure.

I had similar at 7 months pregnant and was sent for a scan and fine needle aspiration within 2 weeks. Turned out to be a blocked milk duct. Definitely push for a referral, but try not to get too worked up about it - there are plenty of benign explanations. I know it's easier said than done... X

Thank you @Namechangeynamefor your response. I've just submitted a written request for a referral through my GP's Patches service. This has been a hard-fought pregnancy, and it's my first. So just want to make sure everything is right.

I've requested one and the GP has said they have booked me in to have a call about it later this afternoon. Thank you for the nudge as well @TheFormidableMrsC

My daughter had the same thing and it was nothing. Was sent for a scan which took about two months annoyingly. I’m sure it’s the same for you but having a scan will put your mind at rest.

I had a similar thing when I was pregnant, mine was quite big and felt squishy, I got referred and it turned out to be Lipoma which is just fatty tissue and nothing sinister, although it did scare me as it was quite noticeable, it's still there now 13 years on! It's good you're getting it seen to.

I had the same with my first and was referred to the breast clinic the very next week. Mine was pretty visible, about the size of the thumb but painless. The doctor had a good feel and assured me it’s the milk duct “waking up” preparing itself for the baby so no further test needed. It went away eventually after the birth and I breastfed without any problem. Didn’t have the same with my second though.

Thank you for sharing your experiences @GraySweatpants@Wintersgirland @Applecup- all very heartening to hear.

The doctor never called me yesterday (because the receptionist didn't actually follow through on booking the call in) but I've been assured I will get a call about it later this afternoon now.