Montgomery's tubercles

System: Pregnancy & Women's Health Signs · All pregnancy & women's health signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The small glands around the nipple (areola) become more prominent and raised during pregnancy.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with pregnancy, from the increased activity of the areolar glands.

◈ Behind the name

William Fetherston Montgomery (1797–1859), Irish obstetrician.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.