Newborn Vaginal Bleeding (False Menses): is it Normal?, Causes, Care Tips

Newborn Vaginal Bleeding – Entering parenthood is a different experience altogether. The excitement and joy that come along with a newborn can truly be a unique phase for the parents. Some might get blessed with celebrative moods, while some may feel surprised or alarmed with a few complications. A small percentage of newborn girls can experience vaginal bleeding often referred to as ‘false menses’. This condition is quite common and normal, causing no harm to the baby. It is a natural response to the hormonal changes the baby undergoes after birth.

No doubt, it can be a cause of concern for new parents, but they need to understand this natural and harmless phenomenon. In this article, we will dive a little deeper into the overall process of vaginal bleeding in newborn girls, its causes and care tips that can help parents in being aware and calm.

Newborn Vaginal bleeding and it’s causes

At first you may take vaginal bleeding as a menstruation cycle, but it is not.

When a baby girl is inside her mother’s womb, they extracts a lot of vitamins and minerals from her blood through the placenta, along with these, the baby is also exposed to high levels of sex hormones, like estrogen, which is responsible for the development of the baby’s sex organs. After birth, the baby is not in the same surroundings, as a result, the levels of estrogen in her are abruptly withdrawn. This phenomenon can cause mild bleeding from her vagina. Some may call it ‘Mini puberty’.

The newborn’s body takes time to adjust to a totally different environment. It is important to note that only 3-5% of babies may experience Vaginal bleeding. ^[1] It can start within the first month after birth or delivery, most commonly during the first 10 days of her birth, and can last up to 10 days. ^[2] The discharge is actually not that thick or bright like blood; it is a small patch of pinkish colour, which can easily be managed at home.

Read Also: Orgasm gap: What you need to know

What isn’t Normal? When to seek consultation?

While Newborn vaginal bleeding is absolutely normal, it can be a concern that needs attention, in the following situations:

The bleeding is heavy and continues for more than 10 days.
The baby seems to be crying or in pain while bleeding.
Bleeding is happening from any other part of the body.
Injuries to the genital areas.
Any bruises.
Infection, such as fever, occurs.
The discharge smells foul.

In all such scenarios, don’t ignore the symptoms and consult a pediatrician to seek further medication.

Care tips for parents

Hygiene and sanitation are important for all ages, especially for newborns. Here are few tips parents should follow when their daughter experiences vaginal bleeding: ^[3]

Gently clean the genital area with non-fragrant wet wipes or warm water and a cotton cloth or cotton ball.
Wipe from front to back to avoid contamination.
Don’t go deeper.
Don’t use soaps while cleaning.
Avoid using any lotion or talcum powder for cleaning.

A note from kamarth – Newborn Vaginal Bleeding

In conclusion, Newborn vaginal bleeding may seem concerning at first place but it is important to understand the scientific cause behind it before creating any panic. It is a harmless and normal process that gets solved after a few days. However, it is equally important to stay aware and seek consultation whenever you see any abnormal symptoms. By keeping the sanitation intact, parents can ensure that this phase goes smoothly.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: Is newborn vaginal bleeding in newborn girl child is normal?
Answer: Yes, a few newborn girl children can experience vaginal bleeding within one month of their birth which is completely normal and natural.

Question: Do babies go through pain while bleeding?
Answer: No, newborn vaginal bleeding is not painful, it’s harmless. However, if the baby seems in pain, that needs to be paid attention to.

Question: What other symptoms of ‘mini puberty’ are common in newborn girls?
Answer: Besides vaginal bleeding, Newborn girls may go through swollen/fluffy vulva, bigger breast, white discharge from breast, white discharge from vagina. All these symptoms should not be disturbed until required consultation.

Question: How common is Vaginal bleeding in newborn?
Answer: Only 3-5% of newborn girls can experience vaginal bleeding.

Question: What does the discharge look like?
Answer: The discharge is usually pinkish in colour, not thick or bright like menstrual blood.

Question: What causes vaginal bleeding in a newborn?
Answer: The abrupt withdrawal of maternal hormone, particularly estrogen, after birth, causes vaginal bleeding in the newborn.

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References:-

Newborn Vaginal Bleeding (False Menses): is it Normal?, Causes, Care Tips

Table of Contents

Newborn Vaginal bleeding and it’s causes

What isn’t Normal? When to seek consultation?

Care tips for parents

A note from kamarth – Newborn Vaginal Bleeding

Some Additional Doubts

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