When assessing a newborn infant's genitalia, the nurse notices that the genitalia appear swollen with fluid.The labia majora are swollen, the clitoris looks large, and the hymen is thick.The vaginal opening is difficult to visualize.The infant's mother states that she is worried about the labia being swollen.The nurse should reply:

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It is normal for a newborn's genitalia to be somewhat engorged (swollen with fluid).A sanguineous vaginal discharge or leukorrhea is normal during the first few weeks because of the maternal estrogen effect.During the early weeks, the genital engorgement resolves, and the labia minora atrophy and remain small until puberty.

When Assessing a Newborn Infant's Genitalia, the Nurse Notices That