In anticipation of the baby's arrival, the expectant mother carefully monitors her health, and any discharge can cause a feeling of anxiety and fear for the unborn child. A pregnant woman's breasts prepare for lactation, and first of all, their shape changes. The mammary glands gradually fill with colostrum from the moment of conception, which can be released little by little at certain stages before birth. Many women ask the question: “What is colostrum during pregnancy and at what stage does it appear?” In this article you will find answers to these questions, and also find out what hygienic measures require the release of colostrum during pregnancy.
At what stage of pregnancy does colostrum appear?
The question of when colostrum begins to be released during pregnancy worries the expectant mother and can be a cause for concern.
At what period is colostrum released during normal pregnancy? The norm is the appearance of clear fluid from the breasts after the sixteenth week of pregnancy. But the appearance of secretion at an earlier stage or only after childbirth will be considered an individual characteristic of the body. Early release of colostrum during pregnancy may well be considered normal.
Usually after childbirth, colostrum is released over several days, on average its total amount is 30 ml. This is exactly as much as the baby needs. Do not worry that the baby will remain hungry - this is a very nutritious substance that will provide the child with everything he needs. Milk is then released.
Colostrum production can be stimulated by breast massage or drinking warm tea.
When does colostrum appear in pregnant women?
Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary glands and the best food for a newly born baby. It is generally accepted that a woman begins to produce colostrum immediately after childbirth, but this often happens during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers are extremely concerned about the question: when does colostrum appear in pregnant women? The thing is that, according to popular belief, the late appearance of colostrum can mean a late arrival of milk after childbirth, as well as problems with breastfeeding.
What does colostrum look like during pregnancy?
Colostrum is an amazing product of the female body. It is 2.5 times more caloric than breast milk, contains a large amount of protein, vitamins A and C, as well as a set of hormones, enzymes and antibodies necessary for the baby in the first hours of life.
If colostrum begins to be produced in the early stages of pregnancy, it looks like a yellowish, thick, sticky liquid. Closer to childbirth, colostrum becomes more like milk - liquid and whitish.
At what time does colostrum appear?
There is no clear answer to this question: we are all different, and each woman’s body functions according to its own program. In most cases, the first drops of colostrum are produced immediately after the birth of the placenta, however, sometimes expectant mothers detect yellowish discharge from the breast - this is colostrum - already in the fourth month of pregnancy. Most often, colostrum is released when the breasts are stimulated (for example, during massage or sex). Sometimes its production can be triggered by a strong shock or prolonged exposure to heat.
It is almost impossible to determine at what week of waiting for the baby colostrum appears: in some women, the mammary glands begin their work already in the second trimester, in others there is no colostrum even after 32 weeks. Therefore, you should not worry about the appearance or, conversely, absence of colostrum during pregnancy.
It happens that, having appeared in the early stages of pregnancy, colostrum disappears before childbirth. This is also the norm. There is also no need to worry about the amount of discharge. In general, doctors unanimously advise expectant mothers not to take to heart the question of when and in what quantity colostrum is released. This has no effect on breastfeeding or milk supply.
Should you panic when colostrum begins to leak?
Changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy often cause a woman a lot of unpleasant sensations: the breasts grow, swell, and sometimes become painful. When colostrum appears during pregnancy, the expectant mother may feel itching or tingling in the breasts - this is normal and only means that the mammary glands are preparing to perform their main function - milk production.
However, if you are at risk of miscarriage, the appearance of colostrum, especially in large quantities, is a very unfavorable sign, especially if you are worried about pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, as well as spotting. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, as there is a risk of losing the child.
Can I drink colostrum?
Among some Asian peoples, colostrum from animals (cow, mare, goat) is considered a delicacy: it is prepared and drunk fresh, treated to dear guests and served on major holidays. Some expectant and established mothers are confident that consuming colostrum will help improve breastfeeding and improve immunity. Of course, if we are talking about an animal product.
You should not drink your own colostrum: attempts to express the precious liquid can provoke the production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the secretion of the mammary glands and contractions of the uterus. In other words, then premature birth is possible.
What to do if colostrum appears during pregnancy?
If you notice wet spots on your bra, you will have to adapt and take a number of measures. Follow these recommendations:
- Wash your breasts with warm water without soap 2 times a day;
- Buy special pads at the pharmacy. They will provide the necessary level of hygiene and hide this intimate moment from others;
- Change your favorite lace underwear to a bodice made from natural materials with a supportive effect. It is worth paying attention to the nursing bra - it takes into account all the necessary criteria;
- Use special nipple care products no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy. This helps eliminate dryness and prevents the formation of cracks.
Colostrum during pregnancy – what to do?
If too much colostrum is produced, you need to use disposable breast pads. They should be changed regularly, every 3-4 hours, so that bacteria do not multiply in them.
Breasts should be washed with warm water, without soap or wet wipes. Dry your breasts carefully with a soft, clean towel. Such procedures should be carried out at least twice a day.
You can also use a moisturizer from the very beginning of colostrum. This will prevent stretch marks and cracks on the chest, as well as pain caused by stretching of the skin on the chest.
Nutrition should be balanced, with sufficient content of all vitamins, as well as fats. It is proper nutrition that improves the health of the woman, the fetus and the nutritional value of colostrum and breast milk.
Colostrum production: normal and signs of pathology
A pregnant woman should not be frightened by the discharge of yellowish translucent liquid in small volumes - all this indicates that changes are occurring in the body at the hormonal level. This process does not cause pain or discomfort.
If the secretion released from the mammary glands when pressed has a viscous consistency, but is transparent or translucent, then there is no reason for concern. But as soon as the expectant mother notices purulent or bloody impurities in the colostrum, or feels a sharp unpleasant odor, this is a reason for an unscheduled visit to the gynecologist. In addition, the patient may notice asymmetry of the mammary glands. Most often, these symptoms indicate inflammation in the chest.
Colostrum during pregnancy
All 40 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy are accompanied by changes in her body.
The breasts also change - the body prepares for lactation, so the nipples swell and colostrum is released. The mammary glands are preparing for the upcoming feeding of the baby, so a pregnant woman may need disposable breast pads.
Many expectant mothers are concerned about how safe colostrum is for the unborn baby. Indeed, discharge serves as a signal of the state of the uterus.
Unpleasant symptoms are proof that not everything is in order with a woman’s body and a consultation with a gynecologist is required.
What should you not do if colostrum appears?
- It is strongly recommended that you avoid breast massage before 38 weeks of pregnancy. This will lead to the production of the hormone oxytocin and premature birth.
- You should avoid hot baths or saunas throughout your pregnancy. An increase in body temperature will negatively affect both the condition of the woman and the baby.
- Some inexperienced girls try to make sure they have enough milk during pregnancy. By analogy with breastfeeding, they begin to express colostrum. Under no circumstances repeat the mistakes of others - this will lead to premature uterine contractions and miscarriage.
Obstetricians recommend light massage of the mammary glands and nipple halo only after 38 weeks of pregnancy, both for women who have given birth and for those who are preparing to become a mother for the first time. These procedures allow you to prepare your breasts for feeding and avoid the appearance of cracked nipples.
What is considered normal
Women are actively interested in the question of how long colostrum appears in pregnant women, because they can be convinced that the timely appearance of milk and its properties depend on this. In fact, these are just prejudices. Their education has nothing to do with each other.
The amount of secretion depends on accompanying factors and, first of all, on how dilated the gland ducts are.
As they open, the woman feels a slight pressure from the inside, a feeling of gland swelling, and itching. This process is also normal and usually occurs between the second and third trimester.
In some cases, a yellow substance is released from the glands in the early stages, and later disappears. This development of events is not a reason to panic. Due to the rupture of small capillaries during the expansion of the ducts, the presence of a small amount of blood is acceptable.
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It should be remembered that each body is individual, especially women during pregnancy, and when colostrum appears in pregnant women is also individual.
What is the problem
But there are also cases in which the discharge is accompanied by uncharacteristic symptoms. Then you need to seek help from a doctor as quickly as possible.
These symptoms:
- Severe pain.
- A large amount of blood.
- Copious discharge with threat of miscarriage.
Pain in such cases appears in the lower abdomen or in the lumbar region and may resemble contractions. This indicates an increased amount of oxytocin and uterine tone, which often leads to premature birth or miscarriage.
They also pose a threat when pregnant women secrete colostrum in large quantities and are filled with bloody discharge, which is accompanied by pain in the mammary glands, uterus, and general poor condition. These symptoms may indicate the development of an inflammatory process, benign or malignant neoplasm.
If an intraductal virus has settled in a woman’s body, this will be signaled by the blood in the discharge. It is necessary to take into account that this virus is dangerous for the fetus and, if not eliminated, will most likely harm the health of the unborn baby.
The appearance of secretion from the glands of a non-pregnant woman may be a bad sign. In a woman who has recently given birth, the appearance of such a substance within 1-2 years is acceptable.
Otherwise, its selection signals:
- mastitis;
- hormonal imbalance;
- the appearance of neoplasms.
Sometimes the occurrence of this substance provokes the use of contraceptives, but in any case it is better to consult a doctor.
Common Misconceptions
People associate colostrum discharge with various events and draw certain conclusions regarding their presence or absence. Such estimates are not always correct. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
- “If a woman notices a few drops on her bra, she should immediately consult a doctor - after all, she is pregnant.” Unfortunately, it is not. Indeed, a representative of the fair sex may be pregnant, but this is an isolated case;
- “If there is a lot of secretion, then there will be no less milk.” This is not true; there is absolutely no connection between these processes. The amount of milk depends on the characteristics of the female body. For sufficient lactation, it is necessary to put the baby to the breast more often, monitor nutrition and consume a sufficient amount of fluid;
- “If colostrum is released, labor will begin soon.” It is generally accepted that visible colostrum discharge appears shortly before birth. But this is nothing more than the experience of most girls and another myth.
- “Colostrum is not released, which means there are problems.” The secretion is always released, but in some cases the amount released is so small that the woman simply does not notice it.
