Newborn Vaginal Bleeding – Do You Need to Worry?
If you have recently welcomed a baby girl in your life and notice a red or pink discharge in her diapers, you’re bound to get worried. But should you worry? Probably not! A baby girl between 2 and 10 days of age may have a little bleeding from her vagina, and it’s perfectly normal.
Is Bleeding from Vagina in Newborn Babies Normal?
As a new parent, you’re likely to get worried if you see blood coming out of your baby’s vagina. But vaginal bleeding in newborn baby girls is common. Newborn baby girls menstruation generally takes place during the first two or three days after the birth. If your notice bleeding from your baby’s vagina, then you must remember that your baby has been exposed to a lot of hormones while in the womb and bleeding from the vagina is just a sign of reproductive hormonal withdrawal from her body after exiting the womb. Your reproductive hormones that have been passed on to her, her body must be getting rid of on its own through pseudomenstruation.
What Causes Vaginal Bleeding in Babies?
There are certain causes of vaginal bleeding in babies which are as follows:
- A nappy rash that causes a tear in the skin.
- Inserting foreign objects in her genitals can lead to bleeding.
- Poor hygiene in the surroundings can lead to bacterial growth and cause bleeding.
How to Take Care of Your Baby
There is no need to be alarmed if you notice bleeding from your baby’s vagina. Simply clean the genital area by spreading the labia and gently wiping the creases. Make sure to use lukewarm water and work your way from front to back to avoid vaginal infections.
When Do You Need to Worry?
Although vaginal bleeding in newborn baby girls is common, there are certain cases when you should not waste time in consulting a doctor. If the bleeding doesn’t stop even after a few days or if you notice a foul odour coming from her vagina, consult a paediatrician or take your little one to the concerned clinic or hospital.
Newborn vaginal bleeding is a normal phase that is observed in many newborn girls. But, fret not, your little girl won’t be having her next menstrual cycle before a decade or so, which means, for now, it’s her first and last period.
Also Read: Apgar Score for Newborn Health Assessment