A frequently asked question by pregnant women is: when do your breasts start leaking during pregnancy? While others do not notice any leaking until after the birth of their baby, some women produce colostrum, a yellowish, thick liquid in their breasts. This is the baby's first food before the milk comes out. You do not have to worry when this occurs before giving birth, as this is normal and does not mean that you are experiencing preterm labor. If you are wondering when your breasts start leaking and what you should do when it happens, read the following article for more information.
When Do Your Breasts Start Leaking During Pregnancy?
This is the first nutrient your baby receives after birth, because you may not produce breast milk until one or two days after the delivery of your baby. Some women experience leaking from their breasts during the first three to four weeks of pregnancy. However, this is not that common. It is, however, more common for some women to show leaking breasts between the 12th to 14th weeks or by the end of this trimester.
Other women have leaking from their breasts during the second trimester, sometime between 26 to 30 weeks, which is most common.
As your delivery date gets closer, you are more likely to have leaking from the breasts. Rarely, a few women begin producing milk by the third trimester. Those who have been leaking during pregnancy will probably experience greater amounts of leaking as their due date approaches. However, most women do not really experience any leaking until after the birth of their baby.
In general, there is no need to be too concerned whether or not you are leaking milk during pregnancy. Even if you do not experience leaking right after giving birth, it does not mean that you will not be able to breastfeed your baby. If you are still concerned, you may consult your doctor. Your health care provider can also advise you about breastfeeding when you think you cannot produce enough milk.
Should I Worry About Breast Leaking During Pregnancy?
During the many weeks before the birth of your child, your body normally changes to prepare for its coming. This includes changes in your anatomy to prepare for labor and childbirth as well as changes in function to prepare for feeding your newborn baby. Your breasts may begin to produce colostrum, which contains a high amount of protein and less sugar and fat than breast milk. This makes it easier for the baby to digest his first food. Nature also designs this substance to be rich in antibodies, which will protect the baby from getting sick after birth.
How Can You Deal With Breast Leaking During Pregnancy?
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Methods |
Descriptions |
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Put breast pads on your breasts |
The easiest way to deal with leaking is to use disposable or reusable breast pads to help absorb moisture. The amount of leaking from your breasts during pregnancy is usually not significant, so a few breast pads will do. |
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Change your breasts pads regularly |
For more comfort during the day, change your breast pads when moist to prevent having the odor of dried colostrum. |
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Use cotton maternity bras |
At night you may want to use a lightweight maternity cotton bra, which is more comfortable than regular bras. |
What Else You Need to Know?
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Precautions |
Descriptions |
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Do not express colostrum by your hands until your baby is born |
Women used to think that expressing the colostrum by hand helps prepare them for breastfeeding. Although this skill will be useful, it is best done after the birth of the baby, when a midwife can help you learn how to express breast milk and store it safely. |
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Do not worry about breast leaking in those occasions |
Breast leaking is normal even during sex or when your breasts or nipples are stimulated. There is no need for you to worry about this. |
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Breast leaking during sex does not mean preterm labor |
Breast leaking during sex may also be accompanied by uterine contractions. These are normal and are not symptoms of preterm labor. Your breasts do not exhibit symptoms during preterm labor. |
