Pregnancy is the most wonderful time in a woman’s life. But often the expectant mother is faced with processes that she cannot independently explain. One such example can be considered colostrum in pregnant women. When this fluid appears and what is it, this article will tell.
How do breasts change?
With the onset of pregnancy, the female body begins to rebuild. First of all, the uterus increases. This process is accompanied by frequent urination, especially at night. The breast of a woman does not remain unchanged. The mammary glands become larger, heaviness and discomfort in the chest area may appear.
The milky ducts, which look like a pea before pregnancy, increase to the size of a walnut. Sometimes this scares the girls, and they immediately go for a consultation with a doctor.
One of the most common phenomena is colostrum in pregnant women. When it appears and what is due to it, it is necessary to find out from the obstetrician-gynecologist. But it is worth mentioning right away that there are no exact dates - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Allowable Amplitude
Arriving at the clinic, girls in position want to receive information about when colostrum appears in pregnant women, how long it happens. Doctors say that discharge from the nipples can occur in any trimester - this point depends on the sensitivity of the mammary glands and the degree of preparation of the body for childbirth. If this happens, do not be scared and come up with many non-existent diseases. Wet bra is a common occurrence for girls in an interesting position.
Statistics show that colostrum is usually secreted in the third trimester when the breast is ready for lactation. This process starts from week 32-33. Usually it is accompanied by discomfort: a slight tingling and slight itching are permissible.
Colostrum - Maternal Nectar
When colostrum appears in pregnant women, the girls immediately rush to inform the gynecologist about this. It is interesting that specialists still cannot determine the exact composition of the fluid released - it is so complex and rich.
For many women, the composition of milk and colostrum can change. Color ranges from white to pale yellow.
The composition of this fluid is approximately as follows:
- White blood cells.
- Dairy secretions (balls).
- Colostrum.
The excreted fluid is very high in calories and rich in vitamins. Therefore, it is important to apply the baby to the chest until the milk arrives. It is proved that even a few drops of colostrum can completely feed the baby. Calorie content is approximately the following:
- The first day after birth - 170 kcal.
- The second - 140 kcal.
- Still others - 90 kcal.
Nature has presented mankind with a unique gift - colostrum in pregnant women. When this fluid appears, a gynecologist will certainly explain. The only thing he is silent about is the exact timing. But the fact that this phenomenon is normal and necessary, the doctor will say for sure.
Why can colostrum appear in early pregnancy?
Sometimes colostrum appears in the early stages of pregnancy, when a woman does not yet know that she will soon become a mother. This fact is especially alarming for primogenous ladies and makes you see a doctor.
Women often discuss this topic with each other - when colostrum appears in pregnant women. Reviews of expectant mothers diverge. But statistics show that in only 20% of cases, fluid is released immediately after conception (in the 3-4th week of pregnancy). The following factors can provoke this:
- Visit to the sauna.
- Hot shower.
- Chest massage.
- Orgasm.
- Elevated body temperature.
All these nuances can trigger the early appearance of colostrum.
See a doctor immediately
When colostrum appears in pregnant women, changes in the body associated with increased prolactin levels occur. Ladies can feel heaviness in the mammary glands. And this is normal.
But there are situations when, when colostrum appears, you should immediately seek help from a specialist:
- Very severe pain in the mammary glands. This may be the first sign of inflammation and mastitis.
- Drawing pains in the lumbar region, abdominal cramps. This may indicate that the uterus has become toned. In the early stages, this suggests a greater likelihood of miscarriage.
- In colostrum, blood or anemone is seen. In this case, the doctor must be consulted within the first 24 hours. There is a high probability of a neoplasm in the chest (cancer is not excluded).
- Unpleasant odor of fluid. This may indicate the presence of inflammation and infection in the mammary glands. If the diagnosis is confirmed, then antibiotics cannot be dispensed with.
- Colostrum appeared in a non-pregnant woman.
If you are expecting a baby, discharge from the nipples of a clear or yellowish liquid is a normal, natural process. Do not apply cabbage sheets, alcohol dressings, etc. to the mammary glands. Remember - this is how the body prepares for the appearance of the baby and natural feeding.
Proper care for the mammary glands
As we found out earlier, one of the most common phenomena in the 3rd trimester is colostrum in pregnant women. When a liquid appears, you need to adhere to some recommendations and rules:
- Observe hygiene. Wash the mammary glands with warm water at least 2 times a day.
- Use only special underwear - maternity bras are made from natural materials, there are no bones on them that would compress the chest. It is important to choose the right size.
- Washing the nipples with soap is not recommended, in order to avoid cracks. But nourishing cream is allowed. Thus, you moisturize your skin and get rid of stretch marks.
- During this period, it is recommended to use a soft towel so as not to irritate the nipples.
- If colostrum flows in large volumes and appears through clothing, you can purchase special pads for the chest.
"When does colostrum appear in pregnant women?" - a question that interests many women. Experienced doctors will help to deal with the nuances, but, as a rule, this happens after the 32nd week of pregnancy.