Pregnant women, expecting a baby, monitor their health very carefully and are very worried when some changes occur, the nature of which they cannot explain. Therefore, when a yellowish, creamy fluid appears from the breast, it causes panic in some people. Along with the discharge, itching and tingling may be felt.
What is colostrum
The liquid that is released from the mammary glands in large drops has a rather thick, sticky yellow consistency and is called colostrum. Colostrum during pregnancy is not milk yet, but already its prototype. It is much thicker than milk because it is very high in protein and low in sugar and fat. Colostrum is excellent for feeding a baby in the first days of his life. It is easily digestible and, with a relatively small volume, has a high calorie content, and therefore energy value.
This is very important for a newborn baby, because his ventricle is still very small and ordinary milk would not be able to compensate for his body’s need for energy. Due to the high content of enzymes and antibodies in colostrum, it helps the baby quickly adapt to life outside the womb. Over time, the stomach becomes larger and colostrum is replaced by milk. If for some reason a child does not receive maternal colostrum in the first days of his life, his risk of susceptibility to diseases increases.
What to do when colostrum is released?
This time falls on. In fact, there are no norms or rules; this is a purely individual phenomenon. Changes in a woman’s breasts begin from the first days of pregnancy. It enlarges, the nipples become darker. These are all signs of pregnancy.
The release of colostrum during pregnancy indicates that the woman’s body is preparing to feed a child, and there is nothing terrible about it, especially since it does not indicate any pathology associated with breasts or premature birth. Some expectant mothers, on the contrary, are sure that the lack of colostrum indicates that after the birth of the child they will not have milk. These are all myths and unfounded fears.
But if the release of colostrum causes discomfort and inconvenience, or there is too much of it, you should contact your gynecologist, who will help you understand this problem.
Under no circumstances should colostrum be squeezed out during pregnancy; this can cause premature birth and even miscarriage, since this causes the muscles of the uterus to contract.
Special cases
There are special cases that are worth paying attention to. These include the fact that the woman is pregnant, and the release of colostrum is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen and bloody discharge from the vagina. If these signs appear suddenly, they are doubly dangerous, because this is fraught with miscarriage. In this case, urgent hospitalization is required.
You should also pay attention to the presence of bloody discharge from the chest. It would be best to contact a mammologist. Caution never hurts. But unnecessary anxiety is also not necessary, because emotional stress will only aggravate the situation. Remember, if you consult a doctor in time, most problems can be solved.
Breast hygiene during colostrum release
If you neglect to regularly wash your breasts, the colostrum dries out, tightens the skin, irritates it, and causes burning and itching. We advise you to wash your breasts only with warm water, never cold or cool, without adding chemical detergents. The frequency of washing is a purely individual matter for each woman and depends on the amount of colostrum secreted. In order to do this correctly, it is better to do the first procedure in the presence of a doctor or midwife. After washing, the breasts are dried very thoroughly. It is better to use a soft towel, because the nipples may become cracked, and wiping with a hard towel will cause you pain.
To prevent stains on clothing, you can use replaceable nipple pads outside the home, and if you don’t have them, use sterile gauze pads. Change them several times a day to maintain a fresh feeling and prevent unpleasant odors. It is advisable not to wear a tight bra during this period. Buy underwear with wide straps made of natural fabric and without wires, so as not to rub or put pressure on the mammary glands. The bra you choose should simply support your breasts and not cause any discomfort.
And remember that the second trimester of pregnancy is the period when the female body slowly begins to prepare for childbirth, and therefore for breastfeeding, and the release of colostrum is a natural process.
In this article, we analyze what colostrum is, when it appears and vice versa - why it may not be released, norms and possible deviations. We will also tell you about the rules of hygiene during the period of colostrum release.
Olga Belokon, a popular obstetrician-gynecologist, writes on her Instagram account that for many women, milk arrives 3-4 days after birth. And in the first days, the mother’s body produces colostrum. How is it different from regular milk? And when does the body begin to produce colostrum? Only after childbirth or during pregnancy?
What is colostrum
Colostrum is the first or early milk. They differ from transitional and mature in calorie content, fat content and composition. Colostrum can easily be called a vitamin cocktail, because it contains:
- tocopherol;
- retinol;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin K;
- immunoglobulins;
- leukocytes;
- proteins.
Colostrum is 2–2.5 times more caloric than mature milk and contains 1.5–2 times less liquid, so it does not overload the newborn’s kidneys and helps him gain weight. The nutritional secretion also performs protective and laxative functions.
Colostrum contains bacteria that are necessary for the maturation of the baby's digestive system and components that clear the newborn's intestines of meconium and reduce the likelihood of jaundice. Immunoglobulins, which are part of early milk, prevent infectious and viral diseases. And vitamins help to cope with jaundice faster, stimulate growth and participate in the formation of primary immunity.
When does colostrum appear?
Lactation in pregnant women begins in the second or third trimester, when the body is actively preparing for the birth of a child and produces a lot of prolactin. The first colostrum is released at weeks 20–25 or 35–36.
In 20% of pregnant women, colostrum (early milk) appears in the first trimester, closer to 12–16 weeks. And for some women, lactation begins only at the time of childbirth or 2–3 days after the birth of the child.
All of these are normal options, so a pregnant woman should not worry about the lack of colostrum or its appearance in the early stages. The only reason for suspicion is the strange color of the discharge and poor health.
Color and consistency of colostrum
Colostrum, which is secreted from the mammary glands at 16–20 weeks, is more like whey. It is liquid, translucent, yellow or white.
Colostrum, which is produced in later stages, contains virtually no water, so it is thicker, stickier and more viscous. And due to the high concentration of vitamin A, early milk may take on a light orange tint.
Is it possible to squeeze out colostrum?
The amount of milk, as well as the consistency, varies. Some women secrete 2-3 drops, while others constantly leak colostrum from their breasts. Neither in the first nor in the second case can you express colostrum.
Pumping will not reduce your milk supply or affect your lactation after birth, but it may harm your baby. The body perceives manual and apparatus pumping as feeding a baby. And during breastfeeding, the concentration of oxytocin increases in the mother’s body.
The hormone is responsible for the feeling of tenderness and affection for the newborn, but at the same time it is a stimulant of labor. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, which can cause early or late miscarriage, as well as premature birth.
What stimulates lactation in pregnant women
The intensity of lactation depends on the lifestyle and habits of the pregnant woman. Colostrum production can be enhanced by:
- hot baths;
- bath and sauna;
- breast massage;
- wearing tight underwear;
- having sex;
- orgasm;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- strong positive emotions;
- temperature increase;
- stress.
Lactation also depends on the pregnant woman’s menu. A balanced diet, containing plenty of folic acid, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, improves the functioning of the mammary glands. Diets and strict restrictions, on the contrary, slow down lactation.
Hot drinks, soups and hot spices can also increase the amount of colostrum. They lead to vasodilation and increased blood circulation in the mammary glands. And this, in turn, affects lactation and milk density.
Deviations from the norm
The release of colostrum during pregnancy is a completely normal and natural process, but a woman should still discuss this issue with her partner. Only the doctor leading the pregnancy knows the history of his patient, the characteristics of her body and is aware of current diseases.
Some symptoms of lactation, which are normal for some women, may be the first warning bell for others. These include:
- The color of early milk. In the later stages, bloody inclusions are found in the colostrum, and gynecologists do not believe that this is a pathology, but recommend undergoing additional examination, just in case. A pregnant woman should visit a mammologist and surgeon to rule out diseases of the mammary glands. You can also make an appointment with an oncologist to confirm or refute your preliminary diagnosis.
- Odor and feeling unwell. Colostrum has a pleasant aroma and sweet taste. An unpleasant odor, a green tint, and a bitter or salty taste to the milk may indicate an infection in the milk ducts. The disease is often accompanied by fever, weakness, poor health and engorgement of the mammary glands. A bacterial infection is dangerous for the fetus and can only be treated with special medications, so at the first symptoms you need to go to a gynecologist.
- Amount of milk. Intensive lactation is a normal option, but this does not mean that it is not dangerous. In some women, due to the flow of milk to the breast, the level of oxytocin increases and goes beyond acceptable limits. The hormone stimulates uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage or early labor. With strong lactation, a pregnant woman should get tested for prolactin and estrogen levels, and also think about what habits can stimulate the production of colostrum.
- Neoplasms. Breast enlargement, a feeling of heaviness and engorgement are the norm, but deformation of the mammary glands is a sign of pathology. Any depressions, bumps and seals are a reason to consult a doctor. Strange formations can be cysts, benign or malignant tumors, and the sooner a doctor makes a diagnosis, the easier it will be to treat the disease.
- Shape of the mammary glands. It is worth consulting with a gynecologist and mammologist if a woman has one breast that has become significantly larger than the other, although before pregnancy they were almost symmetrical. Asymmetry may indicate problems with glandular lobules and milk ducts, cysts and even hormone-dependent tumors.
- Uncomfortable sensations. Itching and tingling in the chest and nipples are normal. Nagging pain radiating to the uterus or lower back is an alarming symptom, especially in the early stages. Discomfortable sensations warn the pregnant woman that she may have a miscarriage or premature birth, so it is better for the expectant mother to consult a gynecologist and, if necessary, undergo conservatorship.
Strange symptoms are not a reason to panic. They may turn out to be a variant of the norm, so do not worry, because stress only worsens the situation and harms the child. It is better to visit a gynecologist, undergo all tests and follow the specialist’s recommendations.
Colostrum with blood during pregnancy
From 5–6 months of pregnancy, inclusions of brown, pink or red may appear in the colostrum. This is normal if:
- bleeding does not last longer than 5 days;
- body temperature does not increase;
- no redness, severe pain or swelling of the breast;
- The discharge is not too abundant.
During lactation, when the glandular lobules actively expand and produce milk, the walls of the blood vessels become weak due to excessive stress. Small capillaries burst and droplets of blood seep into the colostrum.
Intense breast massage, blows, and even tight underwear can injure blood vessels. Sometimes capillaries burst spontaneously, that is, without external causes, and sometimes they are damaged due to physical activity, temperature changes and strong positive or negative emotions. But if the pregnant woman feels well and does not notice any strange symptoms, there is no reason to worry.
If the bloody secretion is abundant, accompanied by pain, or is secreted only from the same mammary gland, the woman should have her colostrum tested and consult a gynecologist, as well as visit a mammologist. Brown and pink spots may indicate intraductal papilloma, ductal carcinoma, or Paget's disease. Benign and malignant tumors can be cured, but a woman should not delay visiting a doctor or refuse examinations.
Lack of colostrum during pregnancy
Not all pregnant women produce colostrum. Some women do not have milk until after birth and appear only 1–3 days after the birth of the child. This is one of the normal options, so there is no need to stimulate lactation with special drugs or herbal complexes.
The absence or appearance of colostrum during pregnancy does not affect breastfeeding in any way. Lactation can begin in the first or second trimester, then stop 1–2 weeks before birth, and then resume again after the birth of the child. And this is also normal and natural.
A small amount of colostrum is not a deviation. In the first days after childbirth, the female body can secrete 3-4 drops of milk. This is enough for the child to receive all the nutrients and not feel hungry.
Only 4% of women cannot breastfeed. In the remaining 96%, lactation returns to normal 6–12 days after birth, so the lack of colostrum before birth is not a reason to panic.
Hygiene rules during the period of colostrum release
Colostrum creates conditions for the proliferation of microbes and bacterial diseases, so during the period of milk production, a pregnant woman must follow several rules.
Hygiene procedures
You should take a shower or bath at least 2 times a day. In summer - much more often, because high temperatures accelerate the growth of bacteria.
It is better not to use hard soap, it dries the skin. Scrubs, peelings and aggressive shower gels are not recommended. They injure the skin of the breast and nipples. The best option is intimate hygiene gel. It has a low pH and gentle composition.
The mammary glands should be wiped with a soft terry towel. Do not rub too hard, because massage enhances the production of colostrum. You can gently blot the water by placing a towel on your chest for 10–20 seconds.
Underwear and pads
Pregnant women should give up regular bras and replace them with special underwear made from natural fabrics. In models for expectant mothers, there are no underwires that can rub the mammary glands, and the straps are wider and more comfortable. The main thing is, or buy underwear with an adjustable size.
Can be supplemented with disposable breast pads. The inserts absorb colostrum and protect against leaks. Pads need to be changed 3-4 times a day to prevent bacterial diseases.
Strengthening procedures
Gynecologists recommend performing exercises to strengthen the breasts in the second or third trimester. Special exercises will increase the tone of blood vessels and capillaries and prevent stretch marks that appear due to the rapid enlargement of the mammary glands.
A contrast shower helps strengthen the frame and circulatory system of the chest. You need to lower and raise the water temperature carefully. A shower that is too hot stimulates lactation, while a shower that is too cold can cause mastitis and inflammation.
Cosmetics for care
During the period of colostrum release, the breasts and nipples should be lubricated with a nourishing cream. The care product will moisturize the skin, protect against cracks and reduce the likelihood of stretch marks. The cream is rubbed into the mammary glands immediately after a shower. Ready-made cosmetics can be replaced with vegetable oils or antiseptic ointments with bactericidal properties if cracks have already appeared on the nipples.
Colostrum production is a very intimate and individual process, and it happens differently for each woman. The main task of a pregnant woman is to care for her breasts, listen to her body and consult a gynecologist at the slightest suspicion, because a mother’s health begins with taking care of herself.
Colostrum is the secretion of a woman's mammary glands, which is formed and secreted from them during pregnancy and in the first days after birth child. In appearance, it is a liquid with a yellowish, transparent or creamy tint, thick consistency, high viscosity and stickiness. Colostrum also has a rather specific odor and a slightly sweet taste.
The release of colostrum is an absolutely normal and physiological process in the female body bearing a fetus. After the period of its release, colostrum is replaced by full-fledged human milk, which the mother feeds her baby after birth.
When does colostrum appear and begin to be released during pregnancy?
In general, the initial time of colostrum formation varies for each pregnant woman: for some a little earlier, and for others almost before the birth of the child. But there are also situations when colostrum, as one of the first symptoms, determines the onset of pregnancy in the early stages.
In each of these cases, the most important thing is that the formation of colostrum begins during pregnancy, and a secret useful for the baby is already waiting for its consumer.
Contrary to the opinion of some women that colostrum is secreted from the mammary glands when, in fact, it is synthesized, this liquid may not come out, although located in the milk ducts. This is explained by our nature: it has designed the female body in such a way that it is actively preparing for the birth of a child, and even if no one is using synthesized colostrum yet, it will still accumulate for future mandatory use.
Composition of colostrum
Colostrum is not just a liquid with a certain color and smell, and it is not standard human milk. This is the so-called "prototype" of human milk, containing a huge amount of substances and chemical compounds useful for the child.
Colostrum differs greatly from full-fledged breast milk in its chemical composition looks like blood and is the most important stage in feeding the baby: this is a transitional stage between parenteral nutrition of the child in the mother’s stomach and breastfeeding.
Colostrum is very valuable in energy terms, as it contains much more calories than breast milk. In addition, colostrum is not rich in water, which eliminates the possibility of overloading the fetal kidneys, which are imperfect in their development. The nutrients contained in colostrum are several times higher in density.
In general, colostrum contains the following chemicals and components:
- Easily digestible proteins, mainly albumins and globulins against a background of low casein content.
- Less amount of easily digestible fats and carbohydrates (lactose).
- Natural antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, carotene, selenium and zinc).
- Factors of fetal immune defense are antibodies (immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, lymphocytes, neutrophils and other cells).
- Growth factors for the baby are a number of hormones and peptides (insulin, cortisol, epidermal factor, insulin-like growth factor).
- A small amount of water.
- Bacteria that make up the normal microflora of the human body.
This composition of colostrum ensures its unhindered absorption by the newborn’s body, despite its high caloric content and energy value.
Benefits of colostrum
- Protecting the child's body from exogenous damaging influences with the help of fetal immune defense factors. This is vital for a newborn, since the beginning of his own immune system occurs only at six months of age, and in the meantime he remains extremely susceptible to surrounding infections.
- Maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract baby (primarily the intestines) by colonizing bacteria normal for the human body for the full absorption of nutrients, normalizing stool and preventing the reproduction and spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Acceleration of the process of excretion from the body original feces (stimulation of bowel movements) and normalization of intestinal function with new portions of nutrients.
- Prevention of the formation of icteric syndrome, which is achieved by binding excess amounts of bilirubin fractions in the blood and intestines of the newborn.
- Providing the child with everything essential nutrients and minerals, vitamins, antioxidant protection factors for the normal development of all organs and systems.
- Increased rate of development of intestinal epithelial structures due to the action of growth factors.
- Ensuring the synthesis of DNA molecules and rapid growth and development of the child’s body.
- Control of lipid peroxidation and the action of free radicals using antioxidant compounds, which is aimed at destroying cell membranes.
Signs of normal colostrum production
If no pathological disruptive processes are observed during the formation and release of colostrum, a woman can easily identify a number of characteristic signs in herself.
Colostrum is normal yellowish tint, and as it approaches the birth of the baby it becomes more transparent and lighter. It may occasionally contain blood streaks, which is completely normal and is explained by hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body.
The quantity of colostrum differs in different women: in some it is released in the form of several droplets, and in others in large volumes. A large amount of colostrum secreted can also be a consequence of factors that stimulate its synthesis, such as intimacy, exposure to stressful situations and psycho-emotional stress, an increase in body temperature, massage procedures, taking a hot bath or shower.
Normally, colostrum can be a provocateur of changes tenderness in the mammary glands women. She may feel a burning, pinching, tingling sensation in the nipple area, but in no case painful symptoms.
Signs of pathological colostrum secretion
One of the most striking manifestations of deviations from the norm in the release of colostrum is severe pain syndrome. It may be a sign of inflammatory processes in the mammary glands themselves (mastitis).
But pain can be localized not only in the chest, but also in the lower abdomen and lower back. In this case, the pain will be cramping, and you should think about it, which, in turn, raises the question of the likelihood of premature labor.
If there is a large amount in colostrum blood impurities and their constant presence in it, you should immediately seek medical help, since this is a clear sign of pathology: this symptom may indicate both ordinary inflammation and even the growth of a neoplasm, up to its malignant forms.
Unpleasant, pungent, foul odor discharge from the mammary glands indicates the presence of bacteria in the ducts of the mammary glands and the development of infection. Typically, this symptom is accompanied by pain in the woman, an increase in body temperature, weakness and decreased performance. Infections of the mammary glands greatly increase the risk of transmitting them to the baby, both parenterally while he is still in the womb and through nutritional routes during breastfeeding after birth.
If colostrum leakage appears without pregnancy, this means that the content of the hormones of the anterior pituitary gland - oxytocin and prolactin - could increase in the female body. The presence of inflammation or cancer cannot be ruled out either.
It is especially important if pathological abnormalities occur to immediately notify your leading gynecologist. This can greatly help to avoid serious complications and maintain the health of both the pregnant woman and her baby.
What to do and how to care for your breasts if colostrum is released
When the formation and secretion of this fluid by the mammary glands begins, first of all, you should not panic - there is nothing terrible or difficult about it, it’s just that a new stage of the pregnancy period has arrived. Doing the following a number of simple rules will be able to facilitate and help the expectant mother with this nuance:
- It is necessary to wear bras specially designed for pregnant women and nursing mothers, which are made only from natural fabrics, are soft to the touch and to the body, are sure to fit in size and do not pinch the mammary glands.
- You should maintain hygiene of the mammary glands by washing them with clean water, always warm, 2 times a day. The use of soap is contraindicated, as it can cause cracks in the nipple, subsequent inflammation and infection.
- You should only use a soft towel and do not use rough or harsh movements when drying your breasts. You should not rub the mammary glands; it is best to blot them very carefully.
- For convenience and to prevent the formation of wet spots on clothes, it is recommended to use specially designed pads (or ordinary discs made of cotton wool, gauze or handkerchiefs). They are placed in the space between the bra and the nipple, and are also regularly changed to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in a nutrient medium favorable for them.
- You should not massage the breasts and nipples in particular.
- Colostrum should not be expressed.
- The use of moisturizing creams is recommended to prevent the formation of stretch marks and cracks in the mammary glands.
- Undoubtedly, it is important to eat fully and with a decrease in the consumption of carbohydrate foods (flour, sugar, potato dishes, rice) and an increase in the diet of animal and plant proteins, vegetables and fruits.
A prepared pregnant woman with a reserve of the first milk for her baby - colostrum - in her mammary glands, finally waits for his birth, and now the most important thing is to convey to the newborn all the value of the glandular secretion. For this, the ideal option is to attach the baby to the mother’s breast. in the very first hour after birth.
The most important thing for a little man is to receive the protective and nutritional properties of his mother’s colostrum, which is why it is so important apply it to your chest for at least 20 minutes. In this case, the baby will receive everything necessary for its normal development and health. Try to be with your baby as much as possible and feed him colostrum on demand. This will not only strengthen the connection between you, but will also quickly teach the newborn to suckle without causing harm or injury to the mother, and stimulate the lactation function of the mammary glands.
Video about colostrum and the beginning of breastfeeding
We invite you to watch a video where an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist will tell you about colostrum and the appearance of the mother’s first breast milk.
Colostrum is the most valuable secretion of the mammary gland of a pregnant and lactating woman, which her body begins to produce in advance of the birth of the child and represents one of the important stages in the changing type of nutrition of the baby after childbirth. This is an indispensable type of food for a newborn, which helps the baby adapt its body to new external conditions, protect itself from pathogenic influences, grow healthy and fully develop to the delight of its parents.
Every pregnant woman has encountered the problem of colostrum secretion, and those women who are just planning to conceive a baby have undoubtedly heard a lot about this wonderful physiological secret of the female body. Share your impressions, and also give personal recommendations regarding the period of colostrum discharge during pregnancy, and in what month you began to experience it.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body is rebuilt in preparation for bearing and then feeding a child. The concentration of hormones and the condition of the mammary glands change during this period, and one of the manifestations of this process is the production of colostrum. What kind of liquid is this, why is it needed and when is it released, what is its composition?
Composition and purpose of colostrum
Colostrum is a yellowish liquid, viscous in consistency, and sweetish in taste. It appears during pregnancy (on average in the 2nd trimester), and approximately 90 hours after the birth of the baby, it is replaced by milk.
Colostrum contains the following substances:
- proteins (albumin, globulins);
- carbohydrates (lactose);
- fats;
- bifidobacteria, lactobacilli;
- vitamins A, B, C, E, PP;
- mineral salts;
- water;
- enzymes;
- hormones.
Colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk Colostrum is a valuable product for the baby, and it should be his first food. The digestion process begins with it, because the product supplies the child’s body with everything it needs until milk appears. Colostrum performs a number of important functions:
- supplying the baby’s body with immune cells, developing resistance to harmful microorganisms coming from outside;
- creation of beneficial intestinal microflora, normalization of digestion;
- removal of excess bilirubin from the child’s body, which prevents the development of jaundice;
- saturating the body with antioxidants that stimulate the functioning of the respiratory system;
- ensuring the growth and development of the baby thanks to the mineral and vitamin complex included in colostrum.
When does colostrum begin to be produced and appear?
Many women ask the question: “When does colostrum appear?” The hormonal background of the expectant mother begins to change already in the first day after conception. The mammary glands are also activated, and in some women the product useful for the baby comes already in the early stages, after a delay in menstruation. However, expectant mothers usually notice a slight discharge from the nipples in the 2nd trimester.
During the third trimester (around 32 weeks), the fluid becomes less thick and more clear. Its amount usually does not change until childbirth. However, there are a number of factors that stimulate the release of colostrum:
- massage of nipples, mammary glands;
- hot bath or shower;
- prolonged sexual contact;
- strong emotional experiences;
- warm drink.
What should colostrum be like (color, taste, consistency, amount of discharge)
Breast discharge during pregnancy usually has a yellowish tint (pale to bright yellow). After childbirth, colostrum is almost orange, because during this period it contains a large amount of carotene.
When the breast “product” just begins to stand out, it looks translucent and non-sticky (see photo). From 30 to 35 weeks of pregnancy and especially after childbirth, colostrum is saturated with useful substances, contains less water, so its consistency becomes thicker. It tastes slightly sweet because it contains carbohydrates. The amount varies among women: for one, only a couple of drops come out when pressed, for another – up to 5 ml.
Do I need to express colostrum?
It is not recommended to express nipple discharge during pregnancy (see also: what nipples look like during pregnancy: photo). Why can't you squeeze out colostrum? The fact is that when the mammary glands are stimulated or pressed on them, the hormone oxytocin is released, which causes uterine contractions. Pumping can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.
All breast stimulation should be avoided to maintain pregnancy. If colostrum is actively secreted (from 32 weeks), it is enough to use breast pads, which should be changed regularly.
Discharge from the chest as a sign of pathology
If the colostrum is sticky, yellow, and odorless, this is normal. However, it happens that one of the characteristics of the breast fluid changes and alarms the expectant mother. If colostrum is produced in only one breast or symptoms appear in the form of an unpleasant odor, blood spots, or pain in the mammary glands, then it’s time to see a doctor.
Painful sensations
Blood admixture
When breast secretions are released from the breast, the ducts dilate. With active fluid secretion in the middle and second half of pregnancy, the ducts fill, capillaries often break, and the discharge becomes reddish in color. At the same time, the expectant mother feels pressure inside the mammary gland, which signals active preparation for lactation. In this case, such signs are a variant of the norm.
However, there are cases that require medical intervention. You need to pay attention to how much blood is mixed into the colostrum. If the discharge contains a lot of blood, and the general condition of the pregnant woman is poor, and pain is felt in the lower abdomen or chest, you should see a gynecologist as soon as possible. The doctor will probably direct the pregnant woman to have her colostrum tested.
Unpleasant smell
If colostrum during pregnancy has a foul odor, this is another alarm bell. This symptom indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. In this case, you will also need to donate fluid from the breast for analysis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment with antibiotics approved during pregnancy will be required. Medicines can protect the fetus from infection.
If the infection occurs in the last month of pregnancy, then in this case it is also important to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy both to protect the baby and to provide him with clean nutrition from the mother's breast. It is necessary to be cured before the baby is born.
What to do if colostrum appears: breast care rules
When colostrum begins to appear, the breasts require a little more attention. The rules for caring for this part of the body are very simple:
- Wearing a soft bra that does not compress the mammary glands. The ideal option would be a special model for pregnant or lactating women. It is necessary that the bodice be of the appropriate size and made of breathable material.
- Rinse your breasts twice a day with warm water without detergent. This action must be performed to prevent the proliferation of microbes, the appearance of cracks, and the development of the inflammatory process.
- After washing, you should dry your breasts with a soft towel, blotting the skin and avoiding sudden movements.
- If there is a lot of colostrum and it flows (this often happens from 35 weeks), a special breast pad or a cotton pad or a clean cotton handkerchief should be placed between the bra cup and the nipple.
- Breast massage and other touching should be kept to a minimum so as not to provoke excessive colostrum secretion and stimulation of the uterus. The same applies to pumping.
- Use a cream with a moisturizing effect (there are special products for pregnant women). This will prevent cracks and stretch marks from appearing. How many times should I apply the cream to my breasts? Once a day will be enough.
- Follow a diet: eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins of plant and animal origin (meat, fish, legumes, etc.). Reduce the amount of potatoes, white rice, and flour products you consume. 4 weeks before giving birth, eat more healthy fats. During pregnancy, you should say a firm “no” to alcohol and tobacco. The same rules apply to women who have given birth and whose breasts produce mature milk.
So, colostrum can begin to appear at any stage of pregnancy, even immediately after a missed period. If the expectant mother notices that alarming symptoms have arisen, she should consult a doctor. In any case, you need to be attentive to your health and take care of your breasts when producing colostrum.
Isn't pregnancy an amazing condition? Inside a woman, a new life is born, growing and forming. The expectant mother herself changes. Changes in her body are absolutely natural, but they can also cause fear and a lot of anxiety.
Colostrum is normal during pregnancy. However, especially during the first pregnancy, this phenomenon makes you panic and worry about your health. Whether there is a reason for concern and how what is happening can affect the condition of the breast should be clarified in detail.
What does colostrum look like?
This is an oily liquid, slightly yellowish in color, which is released from the breasts of pregnant women and during lactation.
The reason for its appearance is the increased production of the pregnancy hormone, oxytocin. It is under its influence that the mammary glands prepare for the long process of breastfeeding, which begin to noticeably enlarge and produce colostrum.
The value of this liquid for the future baby is very great. Its chemical composition basically contains albumin, which is vital and necessary for the child. This protein helps a newly born baby quickly adapt to a new, yet unfamiliar environment, which is our familiar world for him.
In addition, breast fluid contains other significant components, which often determine what color the colostrum should be.
Among them:
- hormones;
- food enzymes;
- lacto- and bifidumbacteria;
- many vitamins of groups A, B, C, E, PP;
- lactose;
- mineral salts;
- fats;
- water.
Approaching the due date, the sweetish and slightly viscous liquid may change its color. In the last weeks of pregnancy, women experience almost clear discharge from the breasts.
The importance of colostrum for the baby
- Material for building the body's immune system.
- A complex of beneficial bacteria (they are the ones who will create favorable microflora in the child’s intestines in the near future).
- Accelerator for getting rid of original feces - meconium.
- A natural obstacle to the development of jaundice.
- The only and complete nutrition in the first 2-3 days of the baby’s life until the mother’s breast milk appears.
Expectant mothers, when discussing at what stage of pregnancy colostrum appears, most often mention a period of 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.
Another name for colostrum is " first milk" This breast fluid is nutritious and fatty, contains many useful substances and is indispensable for the baby.
Until milk production returns to normal, this substance from the breast will become its temporary replacement in the baby’s diet. Despite the small amount, its high calorie content can completely satisfy the modest appetites of a child.
When does the breast begin to produce colostrum?
Not every woman has colostrum in her breasts during pregnancy that makes itself felt in the early stages. Many expectant mothers worry about the stories they have heard. Their meaning is that premature release of fluid from the chest is a bad sign.
In fact, the production of colostrum in the mammary glands of a pregnant woman begins, as a rule, much earlier than the woman discovers it in herself.
The hormone prolactin, which is subsequently responsible for a sufficient amount of milk in the mother, begins to actively prepare the breasts for the upcoming feeding from about 16 weeks. The production of much-needed fluid for the baby in the body of the expectant mother begins after the 12th week of pregnancy.
Most women name characteristic signs of the appearance of colostrum in the breasts:
- tingling;
- feeling of heaviness in the mammary glands;
- slight itching.
At what stage is colostrum usually noticed?
Often, a pregnant woman is surprised to discover discharge from her breasts earlier than expected. And although there is nothing dangerous in this, as doctors assure, the expectant mother begins to worry.
A fairly common occurrence is the appearance of a substance from the breast 1-2 months before the baby is born.
It doesn’t matter at all when colostrum appears during pregnancy - at 22 or 16 weeks, at 19 or 35 - all these are options for the normal development of the process of preparing the mammary glands for feeding a child.
Naturally, colostrum that did not arrive before birth cannot be called a pathology. As a rule, this is exactly what happens in most cases. Meanwhile, both yellowish discharge from the breast and its absence during pregnancy needlessly represent reasons for doubt.
By themselves, they do not pose a threat to the health of the mother and child, but if you specifically squeeze out liquid from the nipples, you can provoke labor ahead of time.
Pathological discharge of colostrum
When colostrum begins to be released during pregnancy, it is extremely important to pay attention to its appearance: sticky, slightly yellow or transparent - these are typical characteristics in the normal state of the body.
Also, in the last weeks of pregnancy, the fluid may contain blood impurities. As a rule, doctors do not consider this something dangerous, but they strongly recommend not to ignore such manifestations and seek advice from specialists.
The following symptoms are unconditional reasons for an unscheduled visit to the gynecologist:
- purulent impurities in the discharge from the chest;
- unpleasant putrid odor;
- uneven or asymmetrical enlargement of the mammary glands;
- seals in the nipple area;
- nagging pain in the groin area;
- bleeding from the vagina;
- high body temperature.
Such signs should certainly alert you, but many women begin to look for explanations for strange colostrum from photos, reviews on forums, and often self-medicate. This way, the expectant mother only risks harming herself and her long-awaited baby. Therefore, the only right decision would be to visit a doctor.
What to do if colostrum appears during pregnancy?
If colostrum is secreted in large quantities, wet clothing may cause discomfort to you. However, in pharmacies you can purchase special breast pads that will reliably absorb leaking colostrum and keep your clothes looking beautiful. >>>
Also, do not forget about hygiene measures for your breasts - wash your breasts with water. For this, a hygienic shower in the morning and evening is quite enough.
Important: Never, under any circumstances, express colostrum during pregnancy.
Remember that any stimulation of the breasts, in particular the nipples, leads to the production of the hormone oxytocin in the body, which causes contractions of the uterus. Overstimulation of the nipples can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
Therefore, take colostrum during pregnancy as a completely natural phenomenon, maintain hygiene and wait for your baby calmly and joyfully!
True or false?
A specialist will also help dispel many myths associated with the release of a substance from the breast before childbirth. Many people mistakenly believe that:
- The fluid that appears is nothing more than a sign of pregnancy.
- It is also considered a reliable harbinger of a woman’s impending labor.
- If during pregnancy there was no colostrum at all or very little, then the woman will have problems with milk.
Such assumptions have nothing in common with reality. No matter how colostrum appears from the breast throughout all weeks of pregnancy, it is wrong to judge childbirth and upcoming lactation by its presence or absence.
