Mastitis During Pregnancy

Mastitis During Pregnancy

WHAT IS MASTITIS?

Mastitis is a inflammation of the breast tissue. This inflammation can have an infection or not. When a woman has mastitis, her breast becomes swollen. It hurts. The skin on the breast might look pink or red. The breast feels warm or hot. Sometimes women feel like they have the flu. They get chills and a high temperature. This happens because the body is fighting the inflammation.

MASTITIS STATISTICS

3%

31%

67%

Staphylococcus aureus: 31% of cases

67% of breast abscesses in pregnancy are caused by MRSA

Affects only about 3% of pregnant women

During pregnancy: usually mid-to-late pregnancy

CAUSES OF MASTITIS DURING PREGNANCY

Hormonal Changes & Blocked Ducts

Weakened Immune System

Bacteria Entry

The body prepares for milk, which can lead to clogged milk ducts, causing swelling .

Bacteria from the skin can enter the breast through small cracks or dryness on the nipples.

The immune system changes during pregnancy, making it a little harder for the body to fight infections.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

A

A painful area or lump in one breast.

A.

Swelling of the breast and feeling of heat in the breast.

B

B.

C

Skin that looks red, especially in a wedge shape.

C.

D

Fever (temperature over 38°C or 100.4°F).

D.

How is it Different from Normal Pregnancy Changes?

During pregnancy, breasts normally become tender and bigger. This is normal. But mastitis pain is different. It is stronger. It is usually only in one breast. And there is redness. Normal breast tenderness does not cause red skin or fever.

TREATMENT AND SAFETY

Home Care

Pain relief: The doctor can recommend safe medicine for pain and fever. You must not take any medicine without asking a doctor first.

• Rest is very important.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Apply a warm, wet cloth to the painful breast to relieve pain and help open the clogged duct.

What to wear: Wear a comfortable bra that is not too tight. A tight bra can make the pain worse.

Medicines: Doctors can prescribe safe antibiotics that will not harm the baby.

PREVENTION

• There are ways to try to prevent mastitis, even before the baby comes.

• Keep the nipple area clean and dry.

• Use creams to stop the skin from getting cracked, if the doctor says it is okay.

• Wear soft cotton bras.

• Eat healthy food to keep the immune system strong.

• If you have any small cut on the nipple, watch it carefully.

To conclude, mastitis is a painful but treatable condition. It can happen to pregnant women, not only to mothers after birth. If you think you have it, go to the doctor immediately. Do not try to treat it alone. With the right help, it goes away and does not harm the baby.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.