Not all women go through this, but leakage from the nipples (boobs) during pregnancy is quite common. Why does this happen? This happens because your body begins producing milk just weeks before the baby is about to arrive. Hence, nipple leakage is standard during the final trimester of pregnancy.
Any fluid that leaks from one or both nipples of a non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding breast is referred to as nipple discharge. Nipple discharge is a complex diagnostic challenge for the clinician as it can occur normally or be a manifestation of a wide variety of diseases. Each human breast has 15 to 20 milk ducts. Nipple discharge can originate from one or more of these milk ducts.
According to research, Nipple discharge is normal during the last few weeks of pregnancy, after childbirth, and during the breastfeeding period. It can also be normal in women who are not pregnant and are not breastfeeding, especially during reproductive years. Certain manipulations of the breasts, such as fondling, sucking, or massaging can stimulate milk ducts to secrete fluid. Stress also has been shown to cause nipple discharge. It is an effect of the hormones that your body releases.
These hormones can make your body start to produce milk, whenever a pregnancy is ended. Your breast may feel sore, tight, swollen, and will leak out droplets of clear to whitish fluid. At times the milk may “let down, and a substantial amount of liquid may come out. To help with this stage, wear a well-fitting/snug bra, and try to avoid stimulation of your breasts or nipples. Wear the bra 24 hours a day until your milk dries up. It can take one to four weeks for the milk to dry up.
FAQs On Boobs Leaking During Pregnancy
When does milk start leaking from your breasts during pregnancy?
Discharge from the nipple during pregnancy first starts somewhere in the third trimester for most pregnant women. But keep in mind that some pregnant ladies might not have to go through the whole experience of breasts leaking during pregnancy at all!
Is breast leaking during pregnancy a sign of labor?
Leaking breast milk during pregnancy is completely normal and usually isn’t closely tied with signs of the onset of your labour. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, when your breast milk seems to be leaking a little more, it indicates your hormones completing their last set of preparations before the baby’s arrival.
In the case of Breast leaking milk without pregnancy, it’s an indication of high prolactin levels which can only be resolved by Medications in that case you would need hormones level to be checked. However, if you notice constant leakage or if the liquid is a worrisome colour, visit a gynecologist immediately.