A paediatrician has clarified that some newborn baby girls may experience light bleeding shortly after birth, a condition medically known as pseudo menstruation or neonatal menstruation, and reassured parents it is normal and harmless.
Dr. Ayobola Adebowale, popularly known as Your Baby Doctor, explained in a video obtained on Saturday that this phenomenon occurs due to hormonal changes after delivery. The condition happens because the newborn was exposed to the mother’s hormones while in the womb. After birth, the sudden drop in these hormones causes what is called withdrawal bleeding, similar to menstruation.
This neonatal menstruation typically appears within the first week of life and involves a small amount of blood or mucus discharge. Adebowale emphasized that parents should not panic if they observe this, as it usually resolves on its own within a few days.
However, she advised that if the bleeding continues beyond a few days or is heavy, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a proper check-up.
Medical experts advise parents to monitor the bleeding and seek medical attention if it is unusually heavy, lasts longer than several days, or appears after the first week of life, as it may be infection or other health issues.
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