Antepartum Mastitis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Acute mastitis commonly occurs in the postpartum period. It has been reported only rarely in the antepartum period. CASE A 14-year-old patient presented at 29 weeks gestation with her symptoms and examination consistent with bilateral mastitis that had worsened over 2 months. She had evidence of systemic infection. She was treated with parenteral antibiotics and local skin care. She gradually improved and delivered a healthy infant at term. CONCLUSION The management of antepartum mastitis can be derived from experience with puerperal mastitis. It must include early recognition, a search for predisposing factors and causative organisms, and aggressive treatment. Such an approach can lead to successful pregnancy outcome with minimal fetal or maternal morbidity.