What should you know about mastitis in pregnancy treatment?

Pregnancy can make breasts fuller, tender and more sensitive, but mastitis means inflammation of breast tissue and may cause local warmth, redness, swelling or pain. Fever, chills, feeling unwell, nipple discharge or a firm area can occur. A breast lump is a presentation of several conditions, so it does not establish mastitis. Because pregnancy changes the breast and affects medicine choices, a clinician should assess new or persistent symptoms rather than relying on self-treatment.

Contact your maternity team, GP or clinician promptly and mention how far along the pregnancy is, when symptoms began, and any medicines or allergies. The clinician may examine the breast and decide whether imaging, monitoring, pain relief or prescription treatment is needed. Take medicines only when they have been confirmed as suitable for pregnancy. Rest, drink fluids, avoid squeezing the area and use a cool cloth for comfort. If breastfeeding or expressing milk is part of your situation, a lactation consultation can help with technique and milk removal.

Seek same-day advice for spreading redness, severe pain, increasing swelling, pus-like discharge, fever, chills or feeling faint. Seek urgent care for confusion, difficulty breathing or a sudden severe illness. Return for review if symptoms do not improve as expected, recur, or leave a persistent lump, skin change or nipple inversion.

Could this be mastitis, an abscess or another breast condition? Which pain relief and treatment options are suitable in pregnancy? Do I need imaging or follow-up? Can I continue breastfeeding or expressing milk, and what change should prompt urgent review?