Colostrum During Pregnancy

Colostrum is the first food available before the mature milk actually comes in for the newborn baby. It is full of antibodies and protects the newborn from infections by forming a shield around his intestine and thus, defends the vulnerable newborn from viruses and bacteria. Colostrum also creates laxative effect by helping the neonate to egest the black stool (meconium) and thus reducing the chances of jaundice. The formation of colostrum starts in early pregnancy, i.e, by 12-14 week. Colostrum during pregnancy has many qualities that are useful for the newborn. It prepares the digestive system of the child to absorb and digest the milk. Colostrum is different from mature milk in many ways, it has less quantity of sugar and fat and has more of salt and protein. It may appear yellowish in color and thicker in density. These are the reasons for which early breastfeeding is recommended to the nursing mothers.

Functions of Colostrum

Colostrum is considered as a vaccine for the baby. This vaccine is also known as immunoglobulin A (IgA). But it is differs from immunoglobulin G (IgG) which the fetus receives through placenta during pregnancy. IgG takes care of the circulatory system of the baby whereas IgA is responsible for increasing the immunity of the body and protects from getting affected from microorganisms, antigens and mucous membrane in the intestine, throat and lungs. IgA stamps down the growth of morbific bacteria. Colostrum also plays a vital role in increasing the gut peristalsis which helps the newborn to pass meconium easily.

Colostrum in early pregnancy is an obvious change in the breast. The breast starts producing colostrum during second trimester of pregnancy. The color of colostrum in the beginning is yellowish and as the expected date approaches, it becomes colorless. The colostrum may be discharged any time like breast massage or during sexual stimulation. You don't need to worry at all if it happens or even if it doesn't happen. Those women who don't experience colostrum discharge during pregnancy can still produce milk for the new-sprung.

The amount of colostrum production during pregnancy has no relation to the production of milk after childbirth. Few expected mothers might experience colostrum leaking during pregnancy while others may have just secretion of few drops. The prenatal production of colostrum has no relation with the postnatal production of mature milk. The amount of colostrum may vary from a teaspoon to an ounce. 37ml is the average quantity of colostrum produced in first 24 hours after delivery and a newborn takes in 7ml to 14 ml of colostrum in each feeding.

When the milk starts coming after the birth of the new baby, it is known as "transitional milk." It is a mixture of mature milk and colostrum that is produced for around 4 to 10 days after birth. Now with the increase in the production of milk in breast, the sugar and fat also increases and the protein content decreases. In the beginning, the mature milk may also appear yellowish due to the presence of colostrum, but after two weeks pure mature milk is produced. In mature milk, the immune factors and the antibodies are in less quantity in comparison to colostrum.

If you observe colostrum leaking during pregnancy and even if you don't, no need to worry at all because it has no effect on the nursing mother or the newborn. If you are not able to handle or understand the situation, immediately consult your gynecologist. Wish you a very happy motherhood!