72 How should the breasts be cleaned? Usually, the entire breast area tends to become more sensitive during pregnancy. Using warm water to clean the breasts is generally suggested. Avoid harsh cleansers and soaps, as they tend to make the skin dry and itchy. After cleaning the area, it is good to apply a moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple and help avoid dryness and irritation. Is it harmful to massage the breasts? The skin and area around the nipple and areola tend to become very sensitive. Sometimes, there may be dryness, especially during the winter. Dryness may cause itching, leading to skin damage and cracked nipples. A good way to avoid this is gently massaging the entire breast area using a good moisturizer. You may also use olive oil or coconut oil for the massage. Is it normal to have some leakage from the breasts during pregnancy? I also heard that this might happen after delivery. Is this normal? During pregnancy, there is some secretion of fluid that is thick and yellowish. This fluid is known as colostrum which is rich in nutrients for the baby. The colostrum can leak out during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester; hence use a breast pad that can absorb these secretions and keep the breasts dry. Remember to wash the nipples with water to prevent crusting of the area with the secretion.
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