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Generally, periods start in girls between the age of 12 to 14 years, when hormonal changes in the body gradually become active. This is considered a completely natural and normal physical process, which is called part of puberty. During this time, the body starts developing the reproductive system and the menstrual cycle starts regularly.

But do you know that new born girls also have periods. Don’t be surprised, it is true. Seeing this, parents often get scared and consider it a disease. Whereas in medical science it is a different natural process, which is called Neonatal menstruation or Pseudomenstruation.

What is neonatal menstruation?

Light bleeding or spotting in newborn girls, which is considered like periods. Actually this is the result of hormonal changes. It is called Pseudomenstruation because it is not a real period. In this-

• There is light pink or red discharge.
• Light spotting may be visible for a few days.
• This happens for a very short period of time.

Why does this bleeding happen?

1. Effect of mother’s hormones

During pregnancy, estrogen hormone is very high in the mother’s body. These hormones also reach the child through the placenta and affect his body.

2. Sudden hormonal drop after birth

As soon as the baby is born, the supply of hormones from the mother suddenly stops. Due to this, the level of estrogen in the child’s body reduces rapidly.

3. Withdrawal bleeding process

Sudden decrease in estrogen affects the inner lining of the baby’s uterus. This layer breaks and comes out in a slight form, due to which slight bleeding is visible. This process is exactly the same as that which occurs when hormones change in older people, but here it is only a temporary effect.

Is this normal?

This condition is not rare in newborn girls. This light discharge can be seen in about 5% to 25% of girls. Usually this happens within 2 to 10 days of birth. It lasts for 1 to 3 days and resolves on its own without any treatment. Sometimes there may also be a light white discharge along with this, which is completely normal.

Does it cause any harm?

This does not cause any harm. It is very important to know that this condition does not affect future periods and does not affect fertility. Also, it is not a sign of any disease, it is just the initial hormonal adjustment of the body.

When should one see a doctor?

Although this is normal, if the following symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted:

• Bleeding lasts more than 3–4 days
• Bleeding is more than normal
• the child seems very lethargic or sick
• have a fever or other unusual symptoms