While everyone thinks that the most significant change in a woman s body during pregnancy is having a baby-bump, but in reality an expectant mum s body goes through various changes and some unpleasant experiences too. One such experience is to have leaking breasts during pregnancy. However, some women might be saved from this nagging problem. That being said, leaky breasts aren t an uncommon occurrence. Here are few things you need to know about the same.
Why does it happen?
Pregnancy hormones, though infamous for the annoying symptoms that they bring along with them, do a great deal of work in preparing the body for birthing and postpartum challenges. Apart from this, these hormones are also responsible for a smooth progression of pregnancy and optimum health and wellness of the mother and baby. Some of these hormones are also responsible for milk production to ensure smooth lactation. Surges in hormones that lead to milk production are at times responsible for leaky breasts too.
However, leaky breasts aren t an early sign of pregnancy. The reason being, milk production in the body takes place once the mother reaches or crosses the 16th week of pregnancy. Discharge from the nipples during pregnancy consists of a creamy, milky substance that is called colostrums or pre-milk high on antibodies and protein and is very beneficial for the baby. Losing some amount of the same during pregnancy would make no difference during lactation post-birth. Here is what you need to know about colostrum, your baby's first vital food.
What should you do?
Leaky breasts or discharge isn t a sign of worry if one is having a healthy and smooth pregnancy. However, it makes sense to report the same to the doctor in any case to get a better judgment about the same. In the case the discharge seems to be normal, here is what can be done to counter it:
Use breast pads: During pregnancy leaky breasts can be quite irksome. It is better to use a breast pad to counter the problem. However, it is advised to keep changing the pads regularly to avoid any infection due to the dampness in the area. Prolonged use of breast pads can also give rise to a foul smell in that area.
Express milk for breastfeeding: Leaky breasts isn t a sign of worry and can be tackled with the simple use of breast pads. In the case, one has a high-risk pregnancy or needs to undergo a C-section due to any medical reasons, then expressing some of the milk before going under the knife can ensure consumption of breast milk for the baby after birth. Here are 10 reasons why breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding.
Talk to your doctor: In case leaky breasts also show other symptoms of infection like itching, burning and redness, it is better to mention it to your doctor and get checked.
Image courtesy: Getty Images
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