Milk comes out of my breasts during pregnancy. Is this normal?

You're pregnant and you've noticed that you're already starting to produce milk. But is this liquid milk? And is such a phenomenon normal before the baby's birth?

What is this liquid coming from the breasts during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the body prepares to welcome the baby, and lactation begins with the production of colostrum. However, hormonal activity prevents it from flowing from the breasts. This first liquid will nourish your baby in the first days if you choose to breastfeed, even before your milk fully comes in. During pregnancy, colostrum is reabsorbed into the bloodstream until the mother's body, through hormonal signals, initiates the start of breastfeeding.

However, is it normal for drops of this "first milk" to leak during pregnancy?

Some pregnant women may notice colostrum leakage, a thick, yellowish liquid. This is completely normal and is caused by the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy. It is nothing to worry about. In fact, there is a peak in prolactin production—the hormone responsible for lactation—around the 4th or 5th month, which can sometimes lead to leakage at that time.

Does this indicate anything about the quality of future breastfeeding?

If I have colostrum leakage during pregnancy, does that mean my breastfeeding journey will go smoothly? And conversely, if I don’t experience any leakage, will breastfeeding be difficult? Rest assured, colostrum loss during pregnancy is not an indicator of how well your breastfeeding will go.

What should you do if you experience leakage during pregnancy?

If you notice colostrum leakage, simply ensure your nipples stay clean, as moisture can cause unpleasant odors and skin irritation. You can start using nursing pads to absorb the leakage and keep your skin dry.