Patient's question:
My daughter is 57 days old. While changing her diaper, I noticed what seemed to be a white discharge on her labia majora. Is this normal?Doctor's answer:
Hello.This is normal. If some parents change the diapers of newborn girls aged 5 to 7 days and notice blood-tinged discharge from the infant's vagina, the amount is usually small, and the child shows no other discomfort. This is a physiological phenomenon in newborns called "false menstruation."
This phenomenon occurs because the mother transmits estrogen to the fetus during the late stages of pregnancy. This endocrine hormone stimulates the proliferation and congestion of the girl's reproductive tract mucosa. After birth, the source of estrogen obtained from the mother is interrupted, and the estrogen level in the girl's body drops sharply. Within 3 to 5 days, it decreases to a very low level. As a result, the supporting effect of estrogen on the proliferation and congestion of the endometrium is also discontinued. The previously proliferating and congested endometrium then sheds, causing the girl to discharge a small amount of blood and bloody from the vagina, creating a "menstruation-like" appearance, hence the term "false menstruation."
Since the bleeding is minimal, this vaginal discharge can be left to occur naturally without medical intervention. It usually resolves on its own within 2 to 4 days. For the small amount of blood and discharged from the vagina, or cotton swabs can be used to gently wipe it away. However, local dressings or medications should not be applied, as this may cause irritation and infection. However, if the vaginal bleeding is heavy or prolonged, it should be considered whether the child may have a neonatal bleeding disorder, and medical attention should be sought promptly.