38 wks & hard/ouchy breast... please help!!

[lilmamabrown]

I'm 38 weeks w/ dd2. I've been leaking lots of clear fluid for a couple months now but haven't worried about it bc it worked the same way w/ dd1. I have an underwire bra that fits well and I don't sleep in it. Mid-day today noticed the underside of my right breast was really getting painful and has gone on throughout the day to turn really hard about the size of a tennis ball up through half my nipple. There's no redness and I can't see anything that looks weird in the mirror but it really hurts (feels like razors if i try to touch it), feels hot, and my nipple won't soften but I don't have a fever. During the last week fluid has gone from clear to white/sometimes yellowish. The hard spot started itching a lot yesterday but wasn't painful til today. I put hot compresses on it for about a half hour tonight and it's really softened up but I can feel the effects wearing off already... is it a plugged duct or something? I didn't think about that being possible while pregnant. What should I do to get this cleared up??

[etsdtm99]

can you call a lactation consultant for advice? i would know exactly what to do if your baby were on the outside, but with her being inside - and all the massage/pumping advice could stimulate labor/contractions.. i don't know! i would call someone (dr., midwife, LC) asap because you don't want to risk it turning into mastitis before your baby even comes!

[wbg]

I would definitely seek help from a trusted health care practitioner.
Ouchy breasts can be plugged ducts, abcesses, growths etc. Hopefully something simple and easily fixed with natural remedies, but if left untreated can intensify.
Hugs Mama. Hope you are feeling better soon.