Your newborn's breasts and genitals

As the pregnant body prepares for birth and breastfeeding, some hormones can cross the placenta. These hormones can affect a newborn.

Babies may have swollen breast tissue at birth, and this tissue may produce a fluid.

Vaginal tissue may be swollen, or newborns may have a harmless vaginal discharge for a few weeks after birth.

The loose skin that holds the testes, called the scrotum, may be swollen. The swelling may be caused by hormones or the pressure in the birth canal, especially if a baby is born feet first, called breech.

The swelling is due to fluid in the scrotum, a condition called hydrocele. Typically, this fluid will be reabsorbed over time.

Right after birth, a healthcare professional will examine your baby and talk with you about any concerns. If you have questions then or later, ask your baby's healthcare professional.