Is armpit pain common during the third trimester of pregnancy?

During the third trimester, your body goes through many changes, and sometimes you may notice aches in different areas. There isn't a common pattern where many pregnant people specifically get armpit pain. However, a dull ache or discomfort in your armpit can sometimes happen if your lymph nodes become slightly swollen due to changes in hormones or if there is mild inflammation. In rare cases, more serious issues such as a blood clot in the vein (called axillary vein thrombosis) have been seen during pregnancy, especially if there are underlying clotting differences. Another possible, though uncommon, reason is reactive lymphadenopathy, where your lymph nodes react to the extra work your body is doing. If your armpit pain is mild and goes away on its own, it likely is not a cause for concern. But if the pain becomes severe, lasts for more than a week, or you notice other changes like swelling, redness, or fever, it's important to talk with your doctor or use a free symptom checker to help understand what might be causing your symptoms and whether you need medical attention.