What should pregnant women do when colostrum?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

You will be aware of the many changes that happen to your body during pregnancy such as weight gain, increased need to urinate, exhaustion, aches and pains. But there are other conditions that occur without your knowledge, including increased blood volume, cervical dilation and fullness (or thinning) as your due date approaches, and colostrum production in preparation. for the baby's first meal.
During pregnancy, nipples may start to produce milk weeks or months before you are due to give birth. The fluid that leaks from the nipple is usually colostrum, dubbed liquid gold because of its incredible content of antibodies and nutrients. Colostrum is the first milk your body makes in preparation for breastfeeding. The release of colostrum during pregnancy is normal and nothing to worry about.

The production of colostrum during pregnancy is because prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production after the birth of your baby, kicks in while you're still pregnant, usually in the third trimester. In fact, the body's hormones are making a "subtle" jump during pregnancy, working to keep the right balance so that everything - from the time you go into labor to the start of your production. lactation - happens at the right time. The reason why breast milk isn't produced in large quantities, especially earlier in pregnancy, is because high levels of estrogen and progesterone help control milk production. If prolactin levels are slightly higher than estrogen and progesterone, some colostrum may be secreted. That is normal and nothing to worry about. This can lead to a few drops of milk in one or both breasts. The phenomenon of colostrum secretion occurs very differently in each person. The closer to the due date, the more colostrum secreted.
It is normal to release some colostrum when your nipples rub against your bra during exercise or when they are stimulated in any way - such as during sex.

Check the inside of the bra - do you see any small yellow stains? It is a sign that the nipple is secreting some colostrum. If you do not notice the above signs? Don't worry - you can try to get a few drops of milk by gently squeezing the areola.

If you are leaking colostrum, just a few drops should be fine. If excess milk flow makes you uncomfortable, wear a pad inside your bra to absorb some of the milk. You're better off seeing your doctor if you notice a lot of colostrum and/or if the colostrum contains blood.
In conclusion, leaking breast milk during pregnancy is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It's just a sign that your body is preparing for the birth of your baby.

To protect the health of the mother and baby comprehensively as well as help the mother feel more secure during labor, Vinmec offers a full Maternity service. With this package, the mother will have regular antenatal check-ups and routine tests to monitor her health. The fetus is monitored for fetal heart rate and uterine contractions by obstetric monitor at 37-40 weeks of expected time of delivery. If the baby is born prematurely, they will be cared for and raised with international standards. Premature births are organized in a methodical manner under the coordination of many specialties: obstetrics, anesthesiology, and especially neonatology and paediatrics. This helps to reduce the risks and increase the effectiveness of treatment for health problems that premature babies may have. After each examination, the doctor will analyze the results and advise on nutrition and rest suitable for each person's condition so that mother and baby can have the best health to prepare for a safe birth. round mother and square child.
For detailed information about all-inclusive maternity service packages, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec Health system nationwide.