What Your Newborn’s Breasts and Genitals May Look Like After Birth

Due to hormonal changes, it is common for babies of both sexes to have slightly swollen genitalia and breasts after birth.

In females, the labia (lips of the vagina) may appear puffy and in males, the scrotum or penis may look enlarged. As the hormones settle they should return to normal within a few days.

If you have a female baby, you may notice a tiny drop of blood or clear discharge from the vagina in their nappy. This is normal and due to hormonal changes.

Occasionally, a male baby’s testicles may not have descended from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. In the majority of cases, the testicles will naturally descend into the correct position by three months of age but if they are still undescended by then, the baby may require treatment.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s genitalia, ask your LMC or another healthcare professional for advice.

For information about genital care, see our article on nappy changing tips.