She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota. Breast lumps may occur normally in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when the breasts are getting ready for lactation. Such masses are typically soft, mobile and occur in both breasts. They may be tender. A tail of breast tissue may extend into the axillae or armpit area.
Breast cancer is uncommon in pregnancy but it does occur.
Approximately one to two percent of breast cancers are diagnosed in pregnancy. The prognosis is similar whether the cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy or at another time. It is never a good idea to reassure a pregnant woman that any mass she feels is insignificant. Pregnancy often delays a diagnosis of breast cancer because providers and women themselves feel that the lump was pregnancy related. Your own provider should do a complete breast exam and possibly refer you for an ultrasound.