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Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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Severe Breast Tenderness during Pregnancy
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am 31 weeks pregnant, and my left breast is extremely tender and sore. I can't even touch it. Also it has a red mark on it. Is this normal?

— Maxis4 in Bayside, NY

ANSWER
January 24, 2002
Dear Maxis4,
While breast tenderness is very common in early pregnancy, it usually resolves by the end of the first trimester. And this tenderness is usually on both sides, not just the right or left breast.

I am concerned about the redness you mention on your breast, which makes me think that you may have an infection, called mastitis. Mastitis is most common after having the baby, but can occur at other times. I recommend seeing your doctor within a few days, or sooner if you get a fever or the pain gets worse. Take care.

— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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