Why Do Some Breasts Start Leaking during Pregnancy?

739 Words2 Pages

It is normal for some women to experience some leaking from their breasts 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 don't 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 this may occur and what you should do when it happens, read the following article for more information.
When Do Your Breasts Start Leaking during Pregnancy?
A woman's body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Aside from enlargement of the abdomen due to the baby's growth, pregnant moms may also experience leaking of some fluid from the breasts. This fluid is called colostrum and is usually a clear or yellowish fluid that is sweet to taste. This is the first nutrient your baby receives after birth, because you may not produce breastmilk 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, when the breasts start to grow bigger. 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 ...

... middle of paper ...

...abor occurs when you have regular contractions that become more intense. These are usually accompanied by back pains, pressure in the vagina, bleeding or discharge from the vagina, and decreased movements from the baby. Your breasts do not exhibit symptoms during preterm labor.

Summary
The breasts may start leaking anytime during pregnancy but it is more likely to occur near the time of delivery. It is the body's way of preparing for birth and pregnant women do not need to worry about preterm labor.

Works Cited

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/leaking-breasts-during-the-first-second-third-trimester http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/leaking-colostrum.aspx http://www.livestrong.com/article/514504-can-leaking-breasts-be-a-sign-of-preterm-labor/
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x552713/is-it-normal-for-my-breasts-to-leak-during-pregnancy

More about Why Do Some Breasts Start Leaking during Pregnancy?

Open Document