With only one week to go until you reach 40 weeks, your baby is considered full-term. With this in mind, it is no surprise that your body is starting to ready itself for the next big mothering responsibility, breastfeeding.
Whether or not you plan to take advantage of the so-called liquid gold and collect breast milk for feedings, your body will prepare and start dispensing the stuff no matter what. You might have already started leaking a little from your nipples, and the colostrum can start any day now, even before the baby arrives. This leaking and advanced breast milk is normal and expected at this point. However, it should only be minor, and your breast should not become engorged or painful during this time. If you experience pain, chapped nipples, or tightness and redness in your breasts, please let your doctor know, as it could be something that needs addressing.
If the discharge is significant or frequent, consider investing in some nursing pads that reliably absorb to avoid an embarrassing situation. While this amount of leakage is usually reserved for mothers actively nursing, you don't want to find yourself at work with a wet blouse.
