How soon before delivery?

[exiled]

I’ve never noticed with my other pregnancies, the appearance of colostrum before delivery. I’m sure it’s quite normal, I’m just wondering how far in advance it shows up, because I’m now getting some and I’m 4-5 weeks out.
I’ve never delivered early, and I’m hopelessly uncomfortable, so I’m wondering if this may be a sign of imminent delivery?
Please say yes!!!

 

[Truly_Beloved]

Sorry, Hon, but I’ve heard that some women experience the appearance of colostrum as early as their 5th/6th month. Crazy, huh?

I know the feeling, though, of anticipation!

Are you dilated/effaced at all? I know that’s not necessarily a good predictor, either, but it sure makes me feel better when I’m 2-3cm dilated and 50-75% effaced more than a month before my due date.

 

[MusherMaggie]

Has your current youngest weaned? My first did not wean during my second pregnancy, so I know I reverted to colostrum about a month or six weeks before she was born. I did not have any colostrum leak during my first pregnancy. I know it’s no help, but every pregnancy is different. Hopefully you won’t have too much longer to wait. Let us know when the wee one arrives!

MusherMaggie
a.k.a. MaggieRose:

 

[queen_anne78]

honestly?

there is no way to know when you are about to go into labor/are in true labor…until you have a baby at the end

you could be walking around 2 cm dilated for like…4 weeks. You could be totally closed up and go into labor in 3 minutes. The appearance of colostrum is the same story…maybe you’ll go eary…maybe you won’t. It’s SO hard to wait and be patient those last few weeks…esp when you want to meet your new babe *now. *

 

[KCtheMommy]

I started the colostrum this time in my 5th or 6th month. I am not leaking profusely, but if I even touch my breast I’ll get some. Like before I get into a shower. I am nine/ten weeks out.

I had colostrum early in all my pregnancies and have come to term with each. Don’t worry, it’s fine. Each pregnancy is different. Now if you were losing your plug, bleeding and having serious contractions – then worry, but a little pre-milk, no biggie.

Big hugs momma!

 

[exiled]

ARGH! I kinda thought the answer would be that. No way to know, but I had hope!
Thanks for the responses. I remember back with pregnancy #3 thinking I deserved to go early, and that the more babies the more likely there would be an early delivery, but so far, no such luck. I should start considering my due date 2 weeks beyond what it actually is!

 

[NMJenny]

I should start considering my due date 2 weeks beyond what it actually is!

Except for my first, who had to be induced early because I developed toxemia, the earliest I ever had a baby was two weeks late! My doctor said that some women just take more than nine months to get ready to deliver.

I did exactly what you suggest–add two weeks to the due date the doctor gave me, and use that as the earliest that I would expect the baby…

 

[cathyt]

I was at about 5 months when I started seeing some. It’s not really leaking but sort of just making a bit of an appearance (without getting graphic here) and generating a little bit of a sweet smell that is usually not noticable to most people in your average social situation. And as far as delivery, I know I was nowhere near close when it started and my body doesn’t seem to be working too hard on it now either…

 

[samovila]

I had it a few months before I delivered. Hang in there! The last month is the slowest and hardest!

 

[KCT]

I remember back with pregnancy #3 thinking I deserved to go early, and that the more babies the more likely there would be an early delivery, but so far, no such luck.

My first 2 came before their due dates and my 3rd was born 6 days after. Too bad she didn’t read the manual .
—KCT