Pregnancy brings a slew of changes, and while I was mentally prepared for things like stretch marks and postpartum hair loss, there was one symptom that completely caught me off guard.
As I entered my second trimester, I stumbled upon a small lump beneath my right arm. At first, I shrugged it off, thinking it was just an ingrown hair or some irritation from shaving. But as time passed and the lump became more noticeable—especially in sleeveless tops—I decided it was time to consult my OB. Although it wasn’t painful, my doctor suggested we wait and monitor it. A few weeks later, with no improvements, she referred me to a general surgeon for an ultrasound.
The waiting period was agonizing. By the time I got to the surgeon, I had noticed a slight decrease in the lump’s size. However, after a brief check, he dismissed it as just a lymph node. He inquired if I had any cuts or wounds on my arm, which I didn’t, but he seemed convinced it was nothing serious. I left his office feeling uneasy but scheduled the removal of the lymph node.
Afterward, anxiety set in. I was already planning a c-section for my twins, and the thought of undergoing another surgery was overwhelming. In search of reassurance, I sought a second opinion, but the next doctor echoed the same sentiment: surgery would be necessary after my babies were born.
The day after my twins arrived, I noticed that the lump was now more swollen and tender than ever. A quick search online revealed that other women had experienced similar lumps during or after pregnancy, often related to breast tissue moving under the arm. Hoping for the best, I reached out to my doctor for further tests, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.
The wait for biopsy results felt like an eternity. My new little family was just beginning, and I feared that this mass could threaten that happiness. Finally, the results arrived: the lump was indeed harmless breast tissue. I had surgery six weeks postpartum, which left me with an unsightly scar—worse than my c-section scar! Nursing two babies while recovering was a challenge, and my milk supply took a hit on one side. Still, I managed to continue breastfeeding.
Ultimately, I was grateful for my health and my beautiful babies. We were all going to be okay.
If you want to learn more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at Medical News Today. And for those considering at-home options, Make A Mom is the top provider of insemination kits in the world. You might also find helpful insights in this blog post about related topics on Modern Family Blog.
In summary, navigating the unexpected symptoms of pregnancy can be daunting, but knowing that others have shared similar experiences can be comforting. Remember to communicate with your healthcare provider, trust your instincts, and seek support when needed.
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