Pain and swelling in one breast, 29 weeks

[AuroraXen]

Hi everyone, I started yesterday to develop pain in my right breast. Not a tenderness (have had that all the way along, in both boobs, though less noticeable after the first half of the pregnancy) but more of a pain. Everything just feels swollen and hard 😢

Are these likely to just be growth pains, or could something (a duct??) be blocked? I know breasts can start making colostrum pretty early in pregnancy, so I guess it's something to do with that. I'm clueless 😆 But also in pain, sigh.

I left a message with my midwife so hopefully she'll get back to me today. I just want to know if this is normal, and if I should be doing something to try to treat it - warm compresses, massage etc. Did any of you have this around this time (29 and a half weeks)

xx

[JA-fnuk Partner]

Changes in your hormone levels as your body prepares for breastfeeding can cause changes including swelling and discomfort But best discuss this with your midwife Make sure wearing a good supportive -and maybe try sleeping with one on Try a hot or cold compress for some relieve

Hope this settles down

Janet

[AuroraXen in reply to JA-fnuk]

Thanks Janet. The midwife number suggested seeing the GP, so I'm waiting for one to get back to me x

[MissSaoPaulo]

I suffered quite a lot from blocked ducts while breastfeeding and it does sound like what you're describing - although I don't know if that can happen before delivery. Have you had leaky breasts? Anyway, most of what I did for relief (ibuprofen and pumping) is obviously not appropriate for pregnancy. But while you're waiting to hear back from your midwife, a warm shower (especially if you can detach the shower head and focus on your breast), and massage from the outer edge, inwards toward the nipple did help somewhat.

Good luck, hope it eases off soon xxx

[AuroraXen in reply to MissSaoPaulo]

Thank you for sharing this. My suspicion would be something a blocked duct, but as I've never breastfed (and haven't had anything leaking so far), I wouldn't have thought that was possible 🤷‍♀️ I'm taking some paracetamol (for all that does 😆), but waiting to hear from the GP at our practice now (midwives suggested I should get it seen by a doctor). I'll definitely try the warm shower and massage though, thank you xx

[Purple276]

Hi AuroraI'm 32 weeks and started getting pain in my left breast. Always in the same place just under my armpit and midwive suggested the same to check in with the GP so also waiting for an appointment.

You'll have to let me know how you get on but hope its just normal hormone changes and they suggest something that eases it!

[AuroraXen in reply to Purple276]

Hi Purple. The GP (who I spoke to over the phone) think it HAS been a mastitis kind of thing, something blocked. But then he called me back and said to be safe, he wanted to refer me to the breast clinic for a check. I think there must be some guidance that says 'don't assume lumps or problems with breast tissue is pregnancy-related' so he said better safe than sorry. That was Friday, and I'm waiting to get an appointment. The swelling and pain are much better now, thankfully.

It's a bit of deja vu! Had to go to the breast clinic just after my final IVF egg retrieval too (different symptoms, then it was a clear lump rather than a swelling and hardness all inside the breast. That time it turned out to be a cyst brought on -almost certainly- by IVF meds). I'll let you know how things go. Hope they manage to get you an appointment soon xx