Breastmilk is a nutrient-rich fluid produced and secreted by the breast tissue (mammary glands) after childbirth. It can arise in pregnancy and usually persists for months or even years after giving birth. This is the appropriate time for breastmilk production and secretion. However, it can sometimes be present in women at inappropriate times meaning that there is no pregnancy, recent childbirth or breastfeeding. In these cases it is referred to as galactorrhea. Although it arises more commonly in women, galactorrhea can also occur in men and even babies.
Breasts are actually modified skin appendages that lie on the front surface of the chest wall. While it is present in both males and females, it is substantially larger in women and has specific functions that are otherwise inconsequential in men. The breast undergoes significant changes with puberty. This is driven entirely by the changes in hormones and is in preparation for nourishing offspring should pregnancy occur within the reproductive years. In order to understand the differences between the prepubertal and postpubertal breast, it important to have a knowledge about its structure.
Acne is a common skin complaint during pregnancy and may persist even after child birth and during the course of breast feeding. The main contributing factor to any case of acne, whether during pregnancy or not, is a hormonal cause. The hormonal fluctuation and high levels of estrogen and progesterone, necessary during pregnancy, may contribute to the development of pimples during pregnancy.
