Fibroadenoma in pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy changes breast tissue and hormone levels, which can make a pre-existing fibroadenoma feel larger, fuller, or more tender. A fibroadenoma is a solid growth of glandular and connective tissue. These changes can also make the breast harder to examine, so a clinician should assess a lump rather than attributing it to pregnancy automatically.

Breast ultrasound is commonly used to characterise a lump without radiation. If examination or imaging leaves uncertainty, a biopsy may be discussed. Tell the imaging team that you are pregnant so the assessment is planned around your circumstances.

Contact your maternity team, general practitioner, or breast clinic when you notice a new lump or a clear change in a known one. Describe when it appeared, whether it is growing, and whether pain, discharge, or skin change is present. Avoid repeatedly pressing the area to test it.

A stable lump with reassuring findings may be monitored during pregnancy. If it grows quickly, remains uncertain, or causes substantial symptoms, your clinicians may discuss biopsy or breast lump excision and explain the timing and precautions relevant to pregnancy.

Seek prompt review for rapid growth, marked redness or warmth, fever, an abscess-like swelling, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, or a new armpit lump. Pregnancy does not make these changes suitable for self-monitoring.

Ask which imaging is appropriate now, whether the lump can be compared with earlier scans, and what would make a biopsy useful. Ask how often it should be checked and which symptoms should prompt an earlier visit.