Posts Tagged ‘Breasts’

Leaking Nipples during Pregnancy – causes and treatment

It is normal for the breasts to leak or spurt milk during the first weeks after having the baby. You can find most leaks in the morning when milk production is at its highest.
Leakage of milk can be uncomfortable and embarrassing at times. But it is actually a good sign that the body can produce a lot of milk for her baby.

- At 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, some women find that their breasts are losing fluid.
- This liquid is colostrum (the fluid that nourishes the baby in the first days after birth before the breasts start making milk).
- Colostrum can go by itself or may leak during breast massage or sexual arousal.
- During early pregnancy, the colostrum is usually thick and yellow. When approaching childbirth, it becomes pale and almost colorless.

The thin yellow fluid called colostrum is rich in milk proteins, which contain immunological active substances, the white blood cells, water, fats and carbohydrates, secreted by the breasts during late pregnancy until a few days after birth, after which the body produces milk matures.

Causes:
The breasts will leak when there is milk overflow, or when something triggers the let-down reflex. Sometimes, leaking can happen if the baby is fed from one breast more often as compared to the other breast. The pregnant body is to ensure that all systems are performing well – including its system of milk production. Colostrum, the first milk the baby will get, contains more protein and less fat and sugar so it is easier to digest for the baby in the first days after birth. In addition, it is full of antibodies that will protect the baby as soon as he or she arrives.

Treatment:
There is no guaranteed way to stop the leaking of the breasts. However, squeezing the milk from the breasts before feeding is helpful.

It may not be able to control the overflow of milk, but you can plan to:
- Use breast pads inside the bra. Remember to change when wet, otherwise nipples can become sore. If you’re out, carry plenty of breast pads with you.
- Try to use washable plastic liners.
- If one breast always leaks, place a cloth or pad inside the bra.
- Use the covers to camouflage the stains of milk. If you’re outside all day, take a spare cover.
- If you feel a tingling disappointment at an unexpected time, cross the arms and press gently against the breasts. This could stop the unwanted flow.

Usually there are only a few drops of colostrums, but if the flow is more then you can use pads inside your bra. The nursing pads are not expensive and they will absorb the clear liquid coming out easily. If the problem continues, consult the doctor.

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What are different kind of complications that may occur during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a crucial period in women life. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming. Pregnancy complications should never be overlooked, even if you may never have any, it is better to know what the problems and complications are occurring during your pregnancy.

Some problems faced during pregnancy are backache and pelvic joint pain, constipation, cramp, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), faintness, feeling hot in pregnancy, headaches, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, incontinence (wetting or soiling yourself), indigestion and heartburn, itching, leaking nipples, nausea and morning sickness, nose bleeds, passing water often, piles, severe itching and obstetric cholestasis, skin and hair changes, sleeplessness, slow-growing babies, stretch marks, swollen ankles, feet and fingers, teeth and gums, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding.

FIRST TRIMESTER

- Nausea and Vomiting : This is due to hormonal changes and frequently changing levels of blood sugar in the body. Solution is to avoid drinks that cause discomfort, take rest and sleep, wear comfortable clothes.
- Changes in breast : The breast feels tender and sensitive. The nipple feels sore when touched as the milk ducts are enlarging and blood supply increases.
- Bleeding which can be due to placenta praevia, abruptio placentae, preterm labour, IUGR or foetal growth retardation, post term pregnancy.
- Fatigue and Tiredness : Maintain a proper diet and pamper yourself.
- Frequent urination.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Mood changes.

SECOND & THIRD TRIMESTER

The second trimester of pregnancy is a busy time for both you and your baby. Your baby will be growing very rapidly over the next several week.
- CONSTIPATION: This is common during pregnancy due to relaxation of intestinal muscles. Taking of iron and calcium supplements can cause constipation. Inadequate intake of fiber, fluids, irregular eating habits are also contributing for constipation.
- BACKACHE: Backaches are usually caused by poor posture. Since you now have more weight in front of your body, you may be leaning back to compensate. If you have gained more than the recommended amount of weight, this pain may be worse.
- SWELLING OF ANKLES, FEET, HANDS & FACE: Swelling is the second most common feature in the last trimester. Puffy hands, feet, and face not only make for a funny look but can be very uncomfortable as well. This occurs due to water and fluid retention in the body.
- ABDOMINAL PAIN: There are many causes of abdominal pains. Some twinges and tightening feelings are to be expected, as the area expands to hold the growing baby.
- GROIN PAIN: as your body prepares for labor, your pelvic joints soften so the baby can easily pass through them.
- BLEEDING GUMS: Hormonal effects during pregnancy may cause your gums to bleed. During this time your gums become tender as blood supply increases.
- ITCHINESS: It is normal for the skin to feel itchy as it stretches during the period of the 24th to the 32nd week.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Cancer stage is based on the size of the tumor, whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast. Breast Cancer Stages are the different stages in which the Breast Cancer can occur. The chances of making a full recovery are better when diagnosis is sooner.

Stage 0 is Carcinoma in situ

- It is used to describe non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS and LCIS.
- It occurs when abnormal cells have appeared inside the linings of the breast ducts. They have not spread yet.

Stage 1 Early stage invasive breast cancer

- The tumor measures up to 2 centimeters.
- No lymph nodes are involved.
- It has not spread to other parts of the body.

Stage 2(a) Breast Cancer

- Cancer is found in auxillary lymph nodes but there is no tumor found in the breast; or
- The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; or
- The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

Stage 2(b) Breast Cancer

- The tumor is larger than 2 but no larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, OR
- tTe tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

Stage 3 Breast Cancer

- In stage 3(a) the tumor is larger than two centimeters but smaller than five centimeters and has spread to up to nine auxiliary underarm lymph nodes.
- In stage 3(b) the cancer has spread to tissues near the breast including the skin, chest wall, ribs, muscles, or lymph nodes in the chest wall or above the collarbone.

Stage 4 Breast Cancer

It represents a full spreading of the cancer to the other organs of the body, including the bones, liver, lungs, or the brain.