The daily care of a newborn girl includes regular washing, which very quickly becomes a familiar procedure. However, in most cases, a young mother is not ready for a sexual crisis, which manifests itself to varying degrees in a child 3-4 days after birth, and is frightened when she finds unusual discharge from her daughter's genitals. Since such discharges are both normal and pathological, it is important to understand the cause of their appearance and know in which cases you should consult a doctor.

Different types of discharge in newborn girls

Vaginal discharge in newborn girls can be:

1. bloody. The cause of this phenomenon is a hormonal or sexual crisis, which is associated with the accumulation of maternal hormones in the child's body. Before childbirth, the level of estrogens and prostaglandins in the mother's body increases significantly, and these hormones enter the child's body through the placenta. The reaction of the girl's reproductive system to an increase in hormonal levels does not differ from the reaction of the body of an adult woman - the secretion of vaginal mucus increases in the baby and the endometrium (mucosa of the uterine body) grows. After childbirth, both in the mother and in the newborn, the level of estrogen drops sharply, since the mother's body no longer needs this hormone, and the girl's body is not yet able to produce it. A drop in estrogen levels causes rejection of the upper layer of the endometrium, therefore, in a newborn, just like in adult women, bloody discharge appears. Such discharge in a newborn girl is a natural process of adaptation that does not require any additional treatment - as soon as the body is cleansed of particles of torn mucosa, the discharge will stop. In the future, the sexual crisis may have other manifestations, but there will be no more bloody discharge from the genitals.
2. White and sticky. These secretions often accumulate in the folds of the labia and are perceived as the remains of a grayish-white original lubricant. It is not necessary to remove such secretions by any special means - their appearance also provokes a sexual crisis, they are only produced by the walls of the vagina when the hormones progesterone and prolactin enter through the placenta. The efforts that mothers make to remove these secretions can lead to mucosal injuries and infection, so the child should simply be washed away. In most cases, the folds of the labia are cleared on their own by the beginning of the second month of a girl's life.
3. Whitish, light yellow or transparent, resembling leucorrhoea in consistency. They are observed in 60-70% of babies and are a manifestation of desquamative vulvovaginitis. This type of vulvovaginitis lasts about 3 days and is also the result of hormonal changes in a newborn - under the influence of estrogens, glycogen (a complex carbohydrate) accumulates in the cells of the child's vagina, which is a nutrient medium for Dederlein sticks. These rods, which are a component of the normal flora of the vagina, combine with glycogen to form a light discharge. The treatment consists in the usual hygiene procedures, no additional drugs need to be used.
4. Yellow. Spots of bright yellow color can be found on the diaper during the first week of life in most newborns (such spots can appear not only in a girl, but also in a boy). These spots are the result of metabolic disorders in the kidneys (associated with the adaptation of the body to new conditions) and the deposition of salts. In the absence of renal pathology, by the beginning of the second week, they disappear.

When is it necessary to see a doctor? Not all secretions from the genitals of a child are absolutely harmless - the mucous membrane of the labia of the newborn is very delicate and easily injured, and the slightest cracks and wounds can serve as a "gateway" for the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.

The reason for going to the doctor is discharge that does not stop for a long time (what is the norm for a newborn up to 8 weeks, in a later period is a sign of pathology).

You should also contact a pediatric gynecologist if:

• the child has painful urination (crying, writhing until the moment of urination, at this moment or after it);
• discharge from a girl has an unpleasant odor;
• the newborn has swelling and redness of the labia:
• in the discharge of a newborn girl there is pus (the discharge has acquired a greenish tint);
• discharge from a child is abundant;
• leucorrhoea-like mucous discharge does not stop for more than 3 days;
• the urine of the newborn has changed color or there is blood in it;
• it seems to the mother that the girl has violations in the anatomical structure of the genital organs.

If necessary, a pediatric gynecologist will take a smear from the vagina, and after sowing and determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics, he will select the appropriate drugs and course of treatment.

Careful care of the genitals of the child is necessary regardless of whether he currently has any discharge or not. The baby should be washed with boiled water every time the diaper is changed (if there is no allergy, you can use a decoction of chamomile in a very low concentration).

Herbs are not recommended for regular washings, as they dry the delicate skin and mucous membranes of girls. When washing, the movement of the hand should be carried out only in one direction - from front to back. Air baths will also be useful to the child, preventing the development of diaper rash.

Minasyan Margarita

Any mother carefully monitors the health of her child. Every day since birth, she diligently performs hygiene procedures and carefully examines every fold on the body of her crumbs. Many women, having discovered discharge from newborn girls, begin to panic. What does this phenomenon mean and in what cases it is necessary to take measures, we will find out in this article.

Hormonal crisis in newborns

In the process of development inside the womb, the child, together with the mother, goes through all the stages of hormonal changes and receives sex hormones in a considerable concentration.

Before childbirth, the level of these substances is especially high, and after the birth of infants, it gradually returns to normal. This process is called a sexual or hormonal crisis. Its manifestations can be seen in both boys and girls in the form of acne, swelling of the mammary glands, and in some cases, a release of a substance similar to colostrum is noticeable from them.

Often in infants in the first month there is swelling of the genital organs, accompanied by a certain secretion. It is also a consequence of the release of the sex hormone estrogen. It can be bloody, liquid white, yellow or green in color, be mucous in nature. In most cases, this is the norm, but there are exceptions.

Signs of a hormonal crisis can make themselves felt from 1-2 days to several months, and its peak falls on 6-7 days after birth. Basically, a complete cleansing of an excess of hormones is completed in the fifth week.

Bloody discharge from the vagina in the baby

According to statistics, discharge in infants occurs in 9% of cases. This phenomenon is called neonatal metrorrhagia. Genital organs of the child: the surface of the uterus, its cervix and vaginal mucosa are in a similar condition, with the organs of a woman of reproductive age before menstruation.

The hormone estrogen, received from the mother, ceases to act, as a result of which the mucous layer of the uterus is rejected. Blood discharge from a baby girl can be pink, scarlet, brown, beige. The secret appears a few days after birth and disappears after 2-3 days.

There is no cause for concern in this situation. The main thing is to maintain the hygiene of the newborn and ensure that such processes do not drag on for a long time.

Brown discharge in breastfeeding girls

Often, babies up to a month have urine with a red, orange or brick tint. The cause of the symptom is a uric acid infarction (or crisis) - a natural phenomenon in newborns, which is explained by the release of the body from a large accumulation of urate salts in the urine. As the mother's milk stays, the color of the urine will return to normal. There is no need to worry in these cases.

Mucous and white discharge in newborn girls

The presence of white discharge in infants is associated with the following reasons:

1. Remains of the original lubricant. They are indicated in the form of a mucous plaque, resembling sticky leucorrhoea, in the vagina and on the folds of the labia. Pediatricians do not advise washing them out with special means, but recommend waiting until the substance disappears naturally. With it, the baby's sensitive skin adapts to the new environment.
2. Mucus can also be produced by the glands of the vagina. The reason for these secretions is the same as for bloody ones - hormones, only in this case the hormones responsible for milk production work: prolactin and progesterone. This kind of secretion in infants usually disappears by the end of the first month.
3. A similar symptom may occur due to the reaction of the body of the newborn to hormonal changes that can provoke the development of vulvovaginitis. Allocations are indicated in a small amount, and they are white, yellow, green, and sometimes they are transparent. Often, vaginitis is accompanied by redness and swelling of the external genital organs of the baby. Symptoms go away after a few days and do not cause discomfort to the baby.

Pathological discharge in girls up to a year

The appearance of vaginal up to a year in 90% of cases is a characteristic of the norm, since this period is characterized by regular hormonal fluctuations. But sometimes this sign indicates a pathology.

You should be concerned if:

• secretion does not disappear two months after birth;
• the duration of the discharge is more than 2-3 days;
• mucus has an unpleasant odor and purulent character;
• the baby cries when urinating, because it is accompanied by discomfort;
• there are excessively abundant discharge, bleeding;
• there is an inflammatory process in the genitals;
• noticed an atypical color of urine, impurities of blood in it;
• a violation of the anatomical development of the genital organs was diagnosed.

These phenomena may occur due to physiological problems in the child, but most often they occur due to improper care of the genitals.

Hygiene of a newborn girl

Allocations in a girl can appear at 1, and at 2,3,4 months. All this is the result of hormonal changes, which are especially active in the first year of life. The main rule during this period is the observance of hygiene of the baby girl, which is especially important in the first month of life.

1. When washing your child, use only boiled water at 36 °C. Some experts advise using a decoction of chamomile, but remember that it can dry out the mucous membranes and also cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is better to choose for these purposes special cosmetics intended for newborns. Sometimes they can be alternated with weak decoctions of the series.
2. When washing, the perineum is washed first, and only then the anus, that is, the direction of movement is from front to back. Otherwise, feces or opportunistic bacteria from the anus can enter the genitals and provoke the development of an infectious or inflammatory process. In the first month, wash your baby as often as possible.
3. Do not make any effort to remove the white coating mentioned above. This grease will go away on its own.
4. Be sure to cut off your nails on your hands, so as not to damage the mucous membrane of the child during water procedures.
5. From time to time push the baby's labia apart, in order to avoid their splicing.
6. When using creams, diaper powders, make sure that the funds do not fall into the perineum.
7. Periodically arrange air baths for the baby. The skin should rest from diapers and diapers.
8. Monitor odors and the nature of the discharge, if any.

When a child is just born into the world, then parents undoubtedly give him a huge amount of attention. This is especially true for the mother, because she must not only quickly establish breastfeeding of the child, but also spend as much time as possible with her baby.

At the same time, do not forget about the hygiene of the child. The list of these procedures should include daily air baths and examination of the child's genitals, inguinal folds, and so on. Of course, you should not worry too much if you notice something is wrong, because what is unacceptable for older children is normal for newborns. It is also worth noting that if you notice vaginal discharge in a girl, then you do not need to worry, because doctors call it a sexual crisis.

Sexual crisis in a newborn baby

The sexual crisis is nothing but the cleansing of the body and adaptation to new living conditions. Throughout pregnancy, the child received sex hormones from the mother. When he was born, the supply of these hormones stopped very abruptly. Therefore, during the first weeks of life, the girl's body will be cleared of excess estrogen. As a rule, a hormonal crisis lasts no more than two weeks, but there are still exceptions when it can last up to 8 weeks of a child's life.

An interesting fact is that a sexual crisis can equally occur in both a girl and a boy. In some cases, it doesn't show up at all. Of course, the signs of a crisis can be very different, but in most cases there is swelling of the mammary glands and even the release of fluid that may resemble colostrum. Remember that in no case should you squeeze out this liquid!

Other signs of a sexual crisis include a rash, swelling, swelling of the genital organs in boys, and vaginal discharge in a girl, which can have a different color and texture.

Different discharge in newborn girls

Discharge from a newborn girl can be very different: light, transparent, white, yellow or bloody. And of course, no one will be surprised if you start to worry when you notice such discharge in your child. You may have a variety of assumptions why this is happening. It seems that the discharge was caused by an infection, the child is still very small. Yes, and with daily hygiene, everything is in order. Then where did they come from?

But it was laid down by nature and it is in this way that estrogens can leave the body of a newborn child. If we talk about normal discharge in a newborn girl, then they can be of any color and shade. The discharge will be present for several days. If they do not cause any discomfort in the child, then of course you should not interfere with the natural process after.

This discharge disappears on its own without any outside interference. Even if there is blood in the secretions, they should not cause you any excitement if they do not go for more than two days. In this case, it is enough to imagine that in your child the mucous membrane, the epithelium of the uterus, cervix and vagina in this case resembles a condition that may be before menstruation. And since this is a completely normal and fairly frequent occurrence, there is nothing to be afraid of, respectively.

But if you are too worried about the condition of the child, you have any suspicions, or the discharge is far from normal, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, do not delay the visit if the discharge does not stop after 2-3 days after their occurrence.

There is a very common point of view that "female" diseases occur only in women and girls who lead a full sexual life. That is why discharge from little girls often frightens parents, is perceived as something sinister and threatening the health of their child. Let's figure out which vaginal discharge is considered normal and which is not. What symptoms should you contact a pediatric gynecologist as soon as possible, and when you should not sound the alarm?

By themselves, vaginal discharge is characteristic of the fairer sex of all ages, and even newborn girls are not considered an exception to the rule. These secretions are the result of the functioning and spontaneous cleansing of the organs of the female reproductive system.

Normally, the vaginal secretion consists of:

• desquamated cells of the renewing epithelium that lines the inner surface of the genital organs;
• mucus formed by the glands of the cervix and body of the uterus;
• microorganisms;
• blood cells (leukocytes) and other components.

Vaginal discharge in girls is physiological and pathological.

This is considered to be a secret of a light color of a mucous nature, to which viscous threads or crumbly impurities can be attached. Young mothers may not worry if they find this kind of discharge from their newborn girl. Abundant mucous secretions often found in the second week of a baby's life.

In rare cases, a small amount of blood may be mixed with them (as during menstruation). Along with bloody discharge in a newborn girl, the nipples of the mammary glands may swell slightly, and with light pressure, a thick, cloudy liquid (colostrum) may appear.

Do not worry, this phenomenon is considered absolutely safe and is called the "sexual or hormonal crisis of newborns." This is quite normal and understandable: this is how the baby's reproductive system responds to the increased level of mother's sex hormones that enter the child's body through the placenta or with milk. This condition does not require special treatment. At this time, it is only necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of the girl.

Starting from the age of 3-4 weeks of sexual development of the baby, a period of hormonal "rest" begins. From this time until the age of 7-8, when the prepubertal period begins, the mucous discharge in girls almost does not appear.

This stage of puberty is characterized by hormonal changes in the body. With it, under the influence of its own hormones (about 1 year before the onset of the first menstruation), the child again has physiological vaginal discharge. At the age of 9-10, and in some even at 15 years old, the discharge in girls intensifies, becomes cyclical, and the menstrual cycle is established in adolescents.

Pathological discharge: causes and accompanying symptoms

Pathological discharge in newborn girls is often very abundant, mixed with blood, pus, accompanied by a sharp, unpleasant odor. They also often occur during hormonal "rest", that is, in the period from 1 month to 7-8 years.

Purulent discharge in girls

Purulent discharge in girls, they most often appear as a result of inflammatory processes that have affected the external genitalia of the child or the mucous membranes of the vagina. The reason for this is the physiological characteristics of the child's vagina and vulva. The fact is that the mucous membrane that lines the vagina in little girls has a loose structure and is very tender.

In addition, they do not have the necessary conditions in the vagina for the normal existence of lactic acid fermentation sticks. In adult women, these sticks provide an acidic environment that prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

The child's vagina has an alkaline environment, and conditionally pathogenic (pathogenic) microorganisms are constantly present in it. With a decrease in immunity, non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, allergic diseases, these bacteria begin to actively multiply, which causes the appearance of discharge in girls.

Yellow-green discharge in girls

The onset of the inflammatory process is characterized by the appearance of not only pathological yellow or green discharge in girls, but also symptoms such as:

• redness (hyperemia) of the external genitalia and adjacent areas of the skin;
• puffiness;
• moderate or severe burning and itching, which increase sharply when urinating.

Yellow-green discharge in girls will indicate the presence of bacterial vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa).

White discharge in girls

If the balance of the microflora of the vagina is disturbed, the child will have grayish or milky creamy whites, accompanied by the smell of rotten fish. A frothy discharge will indicate the presence of a Trichomonas infection in a little girl.

Watery discharge in girls

With allergic vulvovaginitis, the discharge will be watery, and the mucous membrane will become very thin and dry.

When is treatment needed?

Treatment for a child can only be prescribed by a doctor. In this case, an individual approach should be applied, taking into account the age of the girl and the presence of any chronic diseases.

First of all, the doctor must determine the causative agent of vulvovaginitis and how sensitive it is to antibiotics. The following shows drug treatment with the use of antifungal, antiviral drugs and antibiotics.

In the acute course of the disease and heavy discharge in girls, strict bed rest is necessary.

If it was found that the cause of the discharge in the girl was a helminthic infection, treatment should also be carried out by the parents of the baby. At the same time, along with drug therapy, it is recommended to wash the baby with herbal infusions or antiseptic solutions.

As a preventive measure, the child should:

• lead a correct, healthy lifestyle;
• do not contact with bacterial and viral carriers;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• treat any infectious diseases as soon as possible.

So, if you notice pathological discharge in your daughter, try to see a doctor as soon as possible to exclude the occurrence of complications and reduce the time of treatment. After all, as you know, it is much easier to cope with the disease at an early stage than in a neglected form.

For newly-made parents, hygiene of the child's genitals often becomes a certain difficulty when caring for a baby.
However, the granite of the science of child hygiene becomes malleable after mastering the theory and a few practical exercises. With proper treatment of skin folds, many "non-childish" problems in babies can be avoided.

Basic issues of child hygiene
How often should hygiene procedures be carried out? The baby should be washed every time after a stool, as well as before a night's sleep (during the evening bathing, the water temperature is 36.0 - 37.0 C) in order to remove the remains of urine and feces. After urination, the child's genitals can be wiped with a damp cloth, but some children with sensitive skin of the perineum (redness and itching occur from minimal irritation) need washing more often.

What is the best way to wash? It is desirable to carry out the procedure with ordinary warm running water (at the same time, an adult must wash his hands thoroughly in advance). You can use baby soap or special baby bath products.

Adult products are not suitable, they dry the delicate skin of the child and disrupt its normal microbial flora. For hygienic care of the genitals, you should also not use potassium permanganate and herbs, so as not to cause dry skin and allergies.

How right? The child should be placed on the hand of an adult with the tummy down, the buttocks should be brought under the stream of water, with the free hand moving from front to back, from the pubis to the anus, the genitals (labia, penis, scrotum) and skin folds should be washed. And only so! This is especially true for the hygiene of girls, otherwise intestinal microbes can enter the vagina and urinary tract.

Some experts advise boys to wash the penis without moving the foreskin, others recommend gently exposing the glans penis as far as the stretch of the foreskin allows. Therefore, it is better to select the appropriate treatment option for the boy's genital organs, taking into account his physiological characteristics.

The head is washed with water or treated with baby oil, then the foreskin is returned to its place. If it does not allow you to open the head, you do not need to do it forcibly, otherwise an infringement of the head in the foreskin may develop - paraphimosis, which will require urgent surgical correction.

What's next?
- After washing, you need to cover the child with a towel and gently blot the moisture in the perineum.
- Any children's cosmetics must be tested on the skin of an adult before use on a baby. To do this, you need to grind a small amount of the product on the skin of the elbow bend and observe the reaction. After 5-10 minutes, redness or a rash should not appear in that place. In addition, pediatricians advise applying baby cream, talcum powder, oil, etc., first on the mother’s palms and only then on the baby’s covers. If the baby's skin is healthy (velvety, pink), it makes no sense to overuse children's cosmetics, since the skin must "breathe", and hygiene products can disrupt this process.
- Skin folds are lubricated with baby cream (for application under disposable diapers). It is better to wait until it is absorbed, and then remove the excess. During this time, the baby will receive a so-called air bath, which is very important for the prevention of diaper rash (before using a new diaper, the baby's skin must be dry).
- Change disposable diapers at least 8 times a day, after waking up, before feeding, after stool (and washing), before going for a walk, before going to bed at night. It is recommended to wear each of them no more than 3 hours. The correct use of modern, high-quality diapers that retain moisture well does not harm the health of the child.

Consequences of poor hygiene
Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) is a pathological condition of the child's skin, provoked by the influence of physical, chemical and microbial factors when using diapers or disposable diapers. There is a rash, redness, itching in the perineum, peeling of the skin of the buttocks.

If irritating factors are not eliminated, pustules, erosions and secondary infection may occur. In mild cases, creams with skink, salicyl, panthenol will help, frequent changes of "breathing" diapers and air baths are also shown.

Synechia (from the Greek synecheia - "continuity", "connection", "adhesions") - congenital or acquired splicing between adjacent organs. They occur both in girls (the labia minora are fused) and in boys (the foreskin and the head of the penis are fused). This can lead to difficulty urinating and infection.

In girls, the occurrence of synechia is associated with low levels of estrogens (female sex hormones), as well as with the presence of inflammation of the vulva. The labia are in contact, and when the mucous membrane heals, conditions are created for their fusion. Special wound healing creams recommended by the doctor will help, which are applied in a thin layer after washing on the synechia. At night, a cream containing estrogen is applied in the same layer.

In boys (if there is no inflammation), it is recommended to separate synechiae after 5 years and later, since there is a possibility of their "self-liquidation". In general, with synechia that does not cause any discomfort to the baby, it is better for you to choose expectant tactics. The more often they are separated, the greater the likelihood of their repetition, and this can have a negative psychological impact on the child.

We monitor the hygiene of the child's genitals
It is necessary to undress the child daily on the changing table and examine the genitals, perineal skin, inguinal and intergluteal folds. If there are warning signs, doubts, you should contact a pediatrician, pediatric gynecologist or urologist.

Warning signs:

- painful urination (before, during and after urination, the child frowns, groans, cries), acute urinary retention;
- change in the color of urine (usually it is pale yellow, at an older age the urine is straw yellow);
- redness, itching of the inguinal and intergluteal folds, skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs;
- unpleasant odor, discharge from the genital tract;
- suspicion of an abnormal structure of the child's organs, the presence of tumor-like formations or protrusions in the inguinal regions, scrotum (hernia).

You need to go to a pediatric gynecologist or ask your gynecologist what to do