Early Lactation?

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Hi all,
I've recently discovered what seems to be early signs of lactation?? Or something?
I'm only 16wks PG, and so was a little disturbed to notice that i'm frequently ending up stuck to clothing, or waking up in a wet patch on my bed (currently still sleeping on my belly).
I noticed today, after waking up with my arms a bit wet, with no idea why, that it's coming from my breasts, and after much google-time-wasting i'm able to find no information about it at all! I'm able to physically squeeze the liquid out, which i may say has eased a lot of pain in my breasts and may perhaps explain why my nipples have been so darn itchy lately, but i'm curious to know what the go is, and if there's any more info?
It's in a fairly runny, but slightly sticky consistency, and is mostly white with more translucent fluid at times also. I have ridiculously large breasts as it were, before i got pregnant, and wondered if it was perhaps an influence on this sort of physiological behavior?
I was, whilst humored, entirely embarrassed to find myself with a wet patch on my shirt earlier in the day, so I've been trying to find out any info, and anything you can volunteer would be excellent! As everything i have read, concludes that early lactation is not consistent until late third trimester.
Thanks!

[misty]

Yes, it is certainly possible to lactate early on in your pregnancy; I only done a pregnancy test this time because i had started lactating (i had given up breastfeeding only 5 months earlier), I was 5 weeks pregnant. the sticky stuff you describe sounds like colostrum. if you are concerned at all just talk to your doc or midwife, they should be able to reassure you that although most people don't lactate until the end of pregnancy or after birth, that some people certainly do leak alot earlier then others.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Thanks Misty, i dont have an appointment with the midwife for another few days so i was unsure, and too embarrassed to ask my mum :P

[Junglemum]

i have had leaking boobs since 22 weeks. How much leakage varies, sometimes alot, sometimes none. Mine is still yellow-ish, colostrum i am told. Midwife told me is was very normal, some women leak more than others.
I was worried i would run out! She assures me this won't happen! ROFL...

[~Kim~]

Ash, I leaked from about then too...entirley normal but terribly embarrasing

[~clover~]

I was about 4 months with both my girls when I started. I'm 16 weeks too & have been checking every few days in the shower if its started yet. Not yet, but I am expecting it soon. It is normal. Mines mostly clear with some white in it, but not enough to wet me. Buy some breast pads & don't stress.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Thanks guys!!!

Yeah not too stressed about, was just a bit weirded out and confused! It's been changing from day to day, sometimes i'll be fine, other times, they'll be so sore that i'll know. It's been a strange experience, but i also gathered that nevertheless.

Anyhow, thanks for your words of advice =)