Most of us are already aware of the commonly discussed pregnancy menaces like breast soreness, morning sickness, food cravings, and mood swings. However, certain pregnancy afflictions like breast leaking during the second trimester, are still not discussed enough. Not everyone may experience it. But for those who do, here’s a detailed guide on why it happens and how to deal with it:
What Is Colostrum?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, colostrum is the first secretion from your breasts after giving birth. Packed with antibodies and essential nutrients, it serves as the perfect first meal for a newborn and helps protect them from infections. Even though it is produced a day or two after childbirth, many women can also experience colostrum secretion during the later stages of pregnancy. In fact, some women experience breast leaking during pregnancy in the second trimester itself.
Causes of Breast Leaking During 2nd Trimester
Everybody is different and so is every pregnancy. Hence, if you experience breast leaking during the second trimester, it’s best to seek your doctor’s opinion first. But be rest assured, a few drops of colostrum is not something to worry about. It happens because pregnancy makes your body switch into an aggressive ‘baby prep’ mode. It may start producing milk earlier than expected to prepare for an early delivery. This is triggered by a rapid surge in prolactin (lactation hormone). P.S. Breast leaking during pregnancy doesn’t signal premature birth.
Tips to Manage Breast Leaking During the 2nd Trimester
The milk leaking during the second trimester can show up as yellowish stains on your nipples or dried specks of colostrum on your nipples/bra. You’re highly unlikely to experience a heavy milk flow like the one that usually happens after birth. However, slight leakages can make one quite uncomfortable. So here are five effective tips to manage breast leaking during pregnancy:
Use a Breast Pad
Maternity breast pads are a saviour when it comes to keeping breast leakages during pregnancy in check. You can use one if you’re stepping out to keep yourself comfortable.
Sirona Recommends Best Breast Pad: Sirona Disposable Maternity Breast Pads
Made with super-soft, biodegradable material, these breast pads can keep breast leakages during pregnancy at bay. Their superior quality, ultra-thin padding, and leakproof backing make them fit perfectly and discreetly. They’re highly absorbent and can be used even during the breastfeeding period.
Avoid Stimulating Your Breasts
Breasts or nipple stimulation during sex or a usualy self-diagnosis session can aggrevate soreness and increase leakages. So avoid doing so.
Dress Comfortably
Breast leaking during the second trimester can catch you off guard and make you uncomfortable. So it’s best to stick to comfortable non-translucent clothing, especially if you’re going out.
Bid Farewell To Uncomfortable Bras
Tight, laced, or underwired bras are a big no during pregnancy and otherwise. However, if you already experience breast leaking during the second trimester, you must avoid them at all costs as they can irritate your nipples and squeeze out more discharge.
Use A Hot Compress
If you experience breast engorgement due to the early production of milk, you can use a hot compress to lower swelling and relieve pain.
Sirona Recommends Best Hot Compress: Sirona Electric Hot Water Bag
Sirona’s Electric Hot Water Bag acts as a perfect hot compress for your sore breasts as it retains heat for over two hours with only 7-12 minutes of charging and no hassles of filling hot water.
FAQs
How early do breasts leak in pregnancy?
Breast leakages usually happen after birth or a few weeks before the due delivery date. However, it can be experienced as early as the second trimester as well.
Why do breasts leak during 2nd trimester?
Breast leakages during the second trimester can be attributed to the increase in the lactation hormone (prolactin).
Does leaking colostrum mean that labour is close?
Breast leakages closer to your due delivery date can indicate that labour is close. However, it’s not a sure-shot sign of labour.
Breast leaking during the second trimester can seem a bit overwhelming. But a few drops here and there are nothing to worry about. We’d still recommend consulting with a doc if you experience it.
Featured Image: Pexels
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