The umbilical cord supplies oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. Immediately after birth, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind the umbilical cord stump. This stump is a temporary tissue remnant that must naturally detach to complete the process of becoming a navel. The appearance of this remnant can be unsettling for new parents, but it is a normal part of newborn development. Typically, this drying process takes between one and three weeks before the stump falls away entirely. This article provides clarity on the natural process and what to expect regarding whether the stump bleeds upon separation.
The Separation Process
The detachment of the umbilical stump is a biological process similar to the body rejecting a scab after a wound has healed. After the cord is cut, the tissue loses its blood and nerve supply, initiating a natural dying process. The stump begins to dry out, shriveling and changing color from a moist, yellowish-green to a dark brown or black. This change in appearance is known as mummification. The body then forms a clear demarcation zone between the dead stump tissue and the living skin of the abdominal wall. Specialized white blood cells infiltrate this area to help dissolve the connection. The stump eventually separates at this base, revealing the forming belly button underneath.
Bleeding During Separation
The primary concern for many parents is whether the stump will bleed when it finally separates; minor spotting is a common observation. As the stump detaches from the skin, the delicate, newly healed tissue underneath may experience a small amount of residual ooze. This is not active bleeding from an open vessel but is more akin to the small amount of blood found when a dry scab is accidentally pulled off. It is normal to see a few drops of dried blood or blood-tinged fluid near the base of the stump, especially in the days immediately surrounding the detachment. This minimal spotting is part of the final healing process and should resolve quickly on its own. Minor bleeding can occur if the stump catches on clothing or a diaper. If this spotting stops when gentle pressure is applied, it is not usually a cause for alarm.
Caring for the Stump
Proper care for the umbilical stump focuses on two simple principles: keeping the area clean and ensuring it remains dry. Modern medical consensus favors a “dry care” approach, meaning the use of rubbing alcohol is no longer recommended because it can delay the natural separation time. The stump must be exposed to air as much as possible to facilitate the drying process. To encourage air circulation, fold the front of the baby’s diaper down below the level of the stump. This practice also helps prevent urine from contaminating the area. Until the stump has completely detached, give the infant sponge baths rather than immersing them in a tub of water. If the stump does get wet, pat the area dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Signs of Concern
While minimal spotting is normal, certain signs indicate a medical evaluation is required, often suggesting an infection called Omphalitis. This infection usually presents as excessive redness or discoloration of the skin extending out from the base of the stump. Parents should also look for a foul-smelling, yellowish discharge or pus, which is distinct from the clear or blood-tinged ooze common during normal separation. Seek immediate medical attention if the stump exhibits active, continuous bleeding that soaks through clothing, or if the baby develops a fever, becomes lethargic, or shows signs of pain when the area is touched.
Umbilical Granuloma
Another potential concern is an Umbilical Granuloma, a non-infectious condition that can appear after the stump falls off. This is an overgrowth of moist, soft, reddish tissue that may continue to leak small amounts of fluid. Although benign, a granuloma will not heal on its own and requires simple medical treatment to dry the tissue.