Newborn Baby Girls Can Experience Menstruation — It’s Normal, Says Paediatrician!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Dr. Ayobola Adebowale, a Nigerian paediatrician popularly known as Your Baby Doctor, has clarified that light vaginal bleeding in newborn girls — known as neonatal menstruation or pseudo-menstruation — is a medically normal condition and nothing to panic about.

What the Doctor Said:

• The condition occurs due to maternal hormones (especially estrogen) transferred to the baby through the placenta during pregnancy.
• After birth, these hormone levels drop suddenly, causing a brief withdrawal bleed, similar to menstruation.
• It usually happens within the first week of life and lasts just a few days.

Key Facts:

• It affects about 5–10% of newborn girls.
• The bleeding is usually light, pinkish or reddish, and resolves without any treatment.
• Parents are advised not to panic or self-medicate but to speak with a paediatrician if the bleeding is heavy, prolonged, or accompanied by foul smell or fever.

Why It Matters:

• The clarification helps dispel fear and myths among new parents who might think something is wrong with their newborn.
• – It also highlights the importance of postnatal education and routine medical checkups in the early days of life.

Citations:

1. Dr. Ayobola Adebowale via Instagram – @yourbabydoctor
2. Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org
3. Healthline – www.healthline.com

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.