Pregnancy is usually a tumultuous period for any woman. The turbulent hormonal changes, morning sickness, aversion to your once-favourite coffee and alcohol, the weight gain, and so much more take such a toll on the expecting mother. But there is one less talked-about challenge she might have to tackle: Leaking milk during pregnancy. That's right! Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may find something crusty on your nipples. This is the dried-up form of colostrum.
So Why Does The Milk Leak Before Delivery?
Creamy white or yellow, colostrum is the first or early form of milk the body prepares for nursing your child. Doctors say that milk oozing out of your nipples before delivery - while you carry the baby in your womb - is a perfectly normal phenomenon and the main reason behind this is the production of colostrum.
Experts state that colostrum is more nutrient-rich than mature milk. It contains high levels of protein and antibodies like the important immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA builds the baby's immune system and protects them from infection.
Don't Miss: Becoming A Mother For The First Time? Here Are The Pregnancy Dos And Don’ts You Must Keep In Mind
Now how does the leak happen? As the pregnancy advances, the level of prolactin rises. Prolactin is a hormone responsible for the development of breasts and the production of milk during and post-pregnancy. So, when the hormone levels increase, the woman's system starts producing colostrum. This generally happens between the 12th and 16th week of gestation but any leaking, and that too in small amounts, only happens in the third trimester (from weeks 28 to 40).
Once the baby is out, the colostrum along with the breast milk will flow freely. However, remember our bodies are different from one another, and so are our systems. Hence:
- Not all will produce colostrum. If there's none, never deduce that you'll have no or less milk when the baby arrives.
- Colostrum before delivery doesn't ensure too much milk after the baby comes.
How To Manage The Breast Leak
If you are someone tackling breast leak, here are some ways you can manage the same:
- Use absorbent pads.
- Wear comfortable bras with good fit and support.
- Change the absorbent pads for hygiene maintenance and preventing skin rashes, and allergies.
- Go for dark-coloured dresses, which have patterns and layers.
Don't Miss: Safe Yoga Poses For All Trimesters Of Pregnancy
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation