When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I read all the books. I became certified in infant CPR. I signed up for the websites that offer a glimpse of the baby’s week to week development. I was as ready as any new parent can be. Despite how prepared I thought I was, I was caught completely off guard when I changed my 5-day old baby’s diaper to find blood everywhere.
I tried not to panic. Where was all this blood coming from? After just a couple seconds of examining her, it was obvious the blood was seeping out of her vagina. My mind raced. Did she fall and I didn’t know? Was someone too rough when changing her diaper? Had someone intentionally hurt her? I hurried to pack her bag and get her and I to my car while I called the pediatrician on my cell phone.
Imagine my surprise to learn this is a normal thing! I didn’t know anyone that experienced this with their newborn, and I hadn’t heard about it in all my research. Apparently hormones from the pregnancy can cause a baby girl to get a “period.” It can also cause babies to get swollen nipples and even lactating nipples.
Since then, whenever I’ve come across a pregnant person, I’ve shared this story in hopes that, should they have the same experience, they’ll be spared the panic I felt. If this happens to you, it’s still advised to call your pediatrician to report it, but don’t panic or get upset. Although uncommon, it’s perfectly normal for a newborn baby to get their “period.”
More on this from a medical assistant and mother of four:
http://www.babymed.com/blogs/summer-banks/can-my-baby-girl-be-having-period