What Pregnant People Should Know About Montgomery Glands

Donna Murray, RN, BSN
·4 min read

The Montgomery glands are small bumps on the areola. Learn what they are, what they do, how to care for them, and when removal might be considered.

Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD

The Montgomery glands (or Montgomery tubercles) are small glands around the nipples on the areola. These glands are typically not noticeable until a person becomes pregnant. As the breasts grow and change during pregnancy to prepare for lactation, the Montgomery glands also get larger. They begin to erupt and may look like pimples on the nipple and areola.

The number of visible bumps on the areola is different for each pregnant person. Each areola can have anywhere from zero to approximately 40 tubercles, with an average of about 10 to 15 on each side. There are often more in the upper outer part of the areola. The size of the areola doesn't affect the number of glands there are.

Learn more about Montgomery glands, including why you have them, how to care for them, and when to contact your doctor.

Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images
Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images

What Montgomery Glands Do

The Montgomery glands are a combination of milk glands and sebaceous glands. They can release a small amount of breast milk, but they mostly produce a natural, oily substance that cleans and lubricates the nipple and areola. This oily substance contains antibacterial properties that helps to protect the breasts from infection by preventing the growth of microorganisms and germs. It also provides a natural moisturizer for your nipples.

The areolar glands are believed to play an important role in getting breastfeeding off to a good start, attachment, and bonding. They give off a scent that can help the newborn find the nipple and encourage the baby to latch on and breastfeed immediately after birth. The odor is also thought to promote parent-newborn recognition and bonding.

Studies show that the babies of breastfeeding parents who have more areolar glands find the breast and begin breastfeeding faster than those with parents who have fewer areolar glands. More Montgomery glands are also associated with better newborn growth.

Related: Here's What Breastfeeding Support Looks Like Around The World

How To Care for Montgomery Glands

The Montgomery glands don't typically require special care, but there are some things to avoid, especially when breastfeeding or chestfeeding:

  • Avoid harsh soaps. If your nipples and areola are soft and healthy, leave the Montgomery glands alone. Wash your breasts with warm water and avoid soaps that can wash away the protective substance secreted by your Montgomery glands.

  • Avoid popping. Even though these glands may look like pimples, they are not. Don't try to pop them as this could cause harm.

  • Don't treat with acne medication. Not only can acne medication dry out your areola, but many acne treatments may be dangerous for your baby and harmful to your skin. Avoid them while you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

  • Don't use nipple creams, lotions, or ointments to prevent potential problems. These products are only necessary if you have sore, cracked nipples or an infection. Some nipple creams can even make the problems worse.

If you have any concerns about your Montgomery glands or are experiencing a breast or nipple issue, talk to your health care provider about the best way to treat the problem.

Signs of Montgomery Gland Infection

Even though the Montgomery glands help to kill germs and keep the areola clean, they cannot completely prevent breast problems. It's still possible for the areolar glands to become irritated and infected. This is more likely if your nipples and areola become cracked and damaged.

It is important to check your breasts regularly. When you know what's normal for you, it will be easier to recognize when something looks different.

For example, you can expect raised Montgomery glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding or chestfeeding. But if you notice that they or any part of the breast becomes red, swollen (larger than they were), and painful, or you get a fever, you should contact your doctor for an examination and treatment. These are signs of an infection such as nipple thrush and mastitis.

Montgomery Gland Removal

Montgomery glands are a healthy part of your breast anatomy. Once your baby is born, and breastfeeding has ended, those little bumps may shrink back down on their own. Or they may stay a bit bumpy, which is perfectly normal.

If desired, a minor surgery can remove the Montgomery glands. Your provider will make an incision to remove the bumps. This procedure should not interfere with your ability to breastfeed in the future. Surgery to remove Montgomery glands doesn't affect your breast tissue or milk ducts.

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