When there is colostrum in pregnant women?

Colostrum is the first secret of the mammary glands and the best food for the newly born baby. It is generally believed that the colostrum in a woman begins to be produced immediately after birth, but often this occurs even during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers are extremely concerned about the question: when does colostrum appear in pregnant women ? The thing is that according to popular belief, the belated appearance of colostrum can mean late arrival of milk after childbirth, as well as problems with breastfeeding.

How does colostrum look like during pregnancy?

Colostrum is an amazing product of the female body. It is more caloric than breast milk in 2,5 times, contains a large amount of protein, vitamins A and C, as well as a set of hormones, enzymes and antibodies necessary for the baby in the first hours of life.

If the colostrum begins to be produced in the early stages of pregnancy, then it looks like a yellowish thick, sticky liquid. Closer to the delivery, colostrum becomes more like milk - liquid and whitish.

At what time does colostrum appear?

There is no unequivocal answer to this question: we are all different, and the organism of each woman functions according to its own program. In most cases, the first drops of colostrum are produced immediately after the birth of the afterbirth, nevertheless, sometimes future mothers find yellowish discharge from the breast - this is the colostrum - already in the fourth month of pregnancy. Most often, colostrum is secreted by stimulating the breast (for example, during a massage or having sex). Sometimes its development can provoke a strong shock or a prolonged stay in the heat.

To determine, on what week the expectation of the baby appears colostrum, it is almost impossible: in some women the mammary glands begin their work already in the second trimester, in others and after 32 weeks there is no colostrum. Therefore, do not worry about the appearance or, conversely, the lack of colostrum during pregnancy.

It happens that, appearing in the early stages of pregnancy, colostrum disappears before childbirth. This is also the norm. Worry about the number of excreta is also not worth it. In general, doctors unanimously advise future mothers not to take to heart the question of how long and how much colostrum is allocated. This has no effect on breastfeeding and the amount of milk.

Do I panic when colostrum begins to stand out?

Changes in the mammary glands during pregnancy often give a woman a lot of unpleasant sensations: the breast grows, swells, sometimes it becomes painful. When colostrum appears during pregnancy, the expectant mother may feel an itch or tingling in the chest - this is normal and means only that the mammary glands are preparing to perform their main function - the production of milk.

Nevertheless, if you have a threat of miscarriage, the appearance of colostrum, especially in large quantities, is a very unfavorable sign, especially if you are concerned about lower abdominal pain and lower back pain, as well as spotting. In this case, it is necessary as soon as possible to see a doctor, since there is a risk of losing a child.

Can I drink colostrum?

In some Asian peoples, colostrum of animals (cow, mare, goat) is considered a delicacy: it is prepared and drunk fresh, guests are treated to expensive guests and served on big holidays. Some future and established mothers are sure that the use of colostrum will help to improve breastfeeding, increase immunity. Of course, if we are talking about the product of animal husbandry.

Own colostrum is not worth drinking: attempts to express a precious liquid can provoke the production of oxytocin , a hormone responsible for the secretion of the mammary glands and contraction of the uterus. In other words, then premature birth is possible.