Leaking from your nipples

Some women notice leaking from their nipples during pregnancy, and this is normal.

In pregnancy, the breasts may start to produce milk weeks or months before you are due to have your baby. It can happen as early as 14 weeks into your pregnancy.

If your nipples are leaking, the substance is usually colostrum, which is the first milk your breasts make in preparation for feeding your baby. Leaking is normal and nothing to worry about. If it bothers you, you can try putting a tissue or an absorbent breast pad (sometimes called maternity breast pads, or nursing pads) in your bra to absorb the milk. Breast pads are available in some pharmacies and mother and baby shops.

When to get help

If the milk leaking from your breasts becomes bloodstained, talk to your midwife or GP.

After your baby is born and if you're breastfeeding, your breasts will probably leak milk. You can learn more about breastfeeding, including how to deal with common breastfeeding problems and expressing and storing breastmilk.

Some women continue to produce milk up to two years after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Learn more about your body after the birth.