A newborn baby girl has vaginal leakage. Which statement describes the normal nature of this finding?

• A. No, it indicates infection
• B. It is not normal and requires medical attention
• C. It is a sign of dehydration
• D. Yes, it is normal and usually goes away within 2 weeks due to maternal hormones

Answer: (D)

Newborn vaginal leakage in a baby girl is typically due to maternal hormones crossing the placenta and briefly stimulating the vaginal tissues after birth. This can cause a small amount of discharge or light bleeding, which is a common and normal finding. It usually goes away within about two weeks as the maternal hormones clear from the baby’s system. It’s not a sign of dehydration or infection and doesn’t require treatment. Seek medical care if the discharge is heavy, lasts beyond a couple of weeks, or is accompanied by fever, foul odor, poor feeding, or lethargy.