Many pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, will notice that a yellowish milky substance called colostrum is oozing out of their breasts, which makes up the baby's first few meals. It is lower in protein and fat than normal breast milk and contains antibodies to help the immune system develop outside the womb.

What is the reason of this?

As your pregnancy draws to a close, your body needs to make sure all of its systems are up and running before giving birth. Colostrum is the substance that makes up a baby's first meals, so leaky breasts are your body's way of checking that milk production is ready when it's needed.

Tips

There is nothing you can do to stop the colostrum leaking, but this is a symptom that is easier to manage than most, as usually only a few drops leak out. If you're worried about the colostrum in your shirt, attach a nursing pad to your bra and avoid wearing tops that you might be afraid to see stained. You should avoid nipple stimulation to avoid making the leaking worse. You should also let your healthcare provider know if the fluid is bloody or a greenish color.