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What is colostrum and when can it appear during pregnancy?
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pregnancy
Devices for individual use at home detect pregnancy by measuring levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine.
Colostrum is a viscous, yellow-colored fluid produced by the mammary glands of humans and other mammals. It is highly concentrated with nutrients, proteins, and antibodies, providing newborns with essential immune support and nutrition immediately after birth.12
While often associated with the period following childbirth, colostrum production in humans actually begins during pregnancy, typically starting between the 12th and 18th week. It remains the only fluid released by the breasts for the first few days postpartum before being replaced by transitional milk and, eventually, mature breast milk.2