MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hormonal effects in newborns

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Hormonal effects in newborns

Under the influence of maternal hormones during pregnancy a newborn may exhibit signs of hormone exposure after birth, such as enlarged breasts. In addition to the breast enlargement, there may be some discharge from the nipples. This too is common and should be of no concern, disappearing within 2 weeks. The discharge is called witch's milk.

Update Date: 2/22/2007

Updated by: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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