Dr. Ayobola Adebowale Explains That “Pseudo Menstruation” is a Normal Hormonal Withdrawal After Birth.
A Nigerian pediatrician, Dr. Ayobola Adebowale, popularly known as “Your Baby Doctor,” has publicly explained that some newborn baby girls may experience light vaginal bleeding shortly after delivery, confirming that the condition, known medically as pseudo menstruation or neonatal menstruation, is entirely normal and harmless.
Dr. Adebowale explained that the transient bleeding occurs due to hormonal withdrawal after birth.
”Your newborn baby can actually menstruate and this is what we call pseudo menstruation or neonatal menstruation, and it occurs because your baby inside your womb was exposed to a lot of your hormones,” she stated.
She explained that upon delivery, the sudden withdrawal of the high maternal hormone levels causes the baby’s uterus to shed a small amount of blood and mucus, akin to a mini-period.
The pediatrician was quick to reassure parents, urging them not to panic or resort to harmful cultural interpretations.
”You have no reason to be scared. You have nothing to be worried about. Just observe the discharge and after a few days it will resolve by itself,” the doctor advised, adding a crucial statement intended to counter cultural myths: “You really don’t have to do anything and you have no reason to be worried and that child is not a witch.”
Medical research confirms that pseudo menstruation typically occurs within the first week after birth and is generally benign. However, doctors advise parents to seek immediate medical attention if the bleeding appears heavy, persists beyond a few days, or occurs after the first week of life, as it could signal an infection or another underlying medical issue.
