can you get mastitis/blocked duct during pregnancy??

[Shangers]

I've woken up with one really painful breast (other one is fine) - it feels like there is a hard lump that definitely wasn't there yesterday..... I can only think that it's like when I had a blocked duct when I was breastfeeding DS1. Have googled and it seems you can get it while not breastfeeding but it seems pretty rare. To make matters worse I'm away on holiday and not registered with a GP here so my choice is leave it and hope it goes away or go and sit in A&E for hours until they can see me.... I can't find any other options!

Just wondered if anyone else had experienced this?

Weirdly, I too had this type of pain yesterday. My boob felt full & tender, but not in the usual pg-way, but more like when bfing!! It's fine today though. Perhaps its the hormones encouraging the ducts to develop/start production??!! Either way, if you don't actually feel poorly, I'd be inclined to leave it a day or 2 & see how you go.

Good luck :)

I'm not sure A&E would be the place to go - have a google for a walk in centre local to you? Otherwise I'd wait a few days and see your GP when you return?

If it is mastitis it is the devils work and I would get straight to a walk in cenre - not A&E. It can go from a lump to being bedridden very quickly. I didn't think you could get it in pregnancy until the milk comes in but someone on my antenatal thread had it. Seriously - don't leave it - it still makes me shudder when I remember how ill it made me feel.

I'm 31 weeks, no mastisis but I do have a blocked duct which is painful in an annoying sort of way. Doctor gave me an antibiotic to rub on it but I don't think that its making any difference. I was expecting him to lance it so that it could drain a bit but he didn't bother. If it doesn't clear up by the time I get back from holiday then I'll make another appointment. Hope you manage to get your problem solved....

thanks for all the answers - apparently a&e is the place to go around here if you don't have a gp (no walk in clinic - trust me I'd prefer it!) - I went to see a private midwife for a second opinion first and she thinks it's blocked but not infected - so no action yet but hope it gets better..... It's actually getting worse so I'm going to rest for the day and see how it is in the morning. Weird! who knew you start producing milk around now (nearly 20 weeks) in your pregnancy! You learn something new every day. Have my family with me at the moment so I won't be allowed to leave it too long if it does get much worse!

Think putting heat on it and gentle massage is the way to go - can't imagine a&E being much cop but if that is your only option. Hope it stays mild.

I started leaking at 20wks with my DD, but managed to last a couple of weeks more this time around!!!

Feel better soon.