Breasts leaking colostrum during pregnancy
If your breasts are leaking during pregnancy, it means your body is getting ready to feed your baby. That liquid is colostrum, the perfect first food for your newborn.
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No
BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
Bryant J et al. 2020. Anatomy, Colostrum. NCBI. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513256/Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
Godhia ML et al. 2013. Colostrum - Its composition, benefits as a nutraceutical - A review. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science 1(1): 37-47. http://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume1number1/colostrum-its-composition-benefits-as-a-nutraceutical-a-review/Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
Healthychildren.orgOpens a new window. 2009. Colostrum: Your baby's first meal. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Colostrum-Your-Babys-First-Meal.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
Kaiser Permanente. Prenatal breast care. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/sanjose/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2015/10/Prenatal-Breast-Care_English_tcm28-12759.pdfOpens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
Kavanagh J et al 2005. Breast stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Cochrane Database Systematic Review 3: CD003392. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16034897/Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
LLLI. Undated. Colostrum: General. La Leche League International. https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/colostrum-general/Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
LLLI. Undated. Colostrum: Prenatal/antenatal expression. La Leche League International. https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/colostrum-prenatal-antenatal-expression/Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]
Sadovnikova A et al. 2020. The onset and maintenance of human lactation and its endocrine regulation. Chapter 14 in Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology: 189-205. Abstract: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128148235000143Opens a new window [Accessed February 2020]