After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to the newborn’s belly button. This stump undergoes a natural process of drying and detaching, a normal and healthy part of a baby’s early development. Careful observation is beneficial to ensure proper healing.
Normal Umbilical Cord Healing
A healthy umbilical cord stump typically undergoes a series of changes as it heals. Initially, it may appear yellowish or whitish and feel somewhat damp. As the days progress, the stump begins to dry out, shrivel, and gradually change color, often turning dark brown or black. This transformation indicates the tissue is drying and preparing to detach.
The umbilical cord stump usually falls off naturally within one to three weeks after birth. Some minor oozing of clear or slightly blood-tinged fluid or a small crust around the base is generally considered normal during this period. This process concludes when the stump detaches, leaving a healed navel.
Recognizing Umbilical Cord Infection Signs
Distinguishing between normal healing and an infection is important for a newborn’s well-being. One sign of a potential infection, known as omphalitis, is redness or swelling that spreads from the base of the cord to the surrounding skin. The skin around the stump might also feel firm or hardened.
Another indicator of infection is the presence of pus or a cloudy discharge from the cord stump that has a foul odor. The baby may also exhibit tenderness or pain when the area is gently touched. If the cord stump appears wet or mushy and fails to dry out as expected, this could also signal an issue.
Systemic signs, affecting the entire body, also suggest a possible infection. These include the baby developing a fever, often 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. The baby might also seem unusually tired or lethargic, exhibit poor feeding habits, or show a general change in behavior. Persistent bleeding from the cord, beyond a few drops, also warrants attention.
Umbilical Cord Care Practices
Proper care of the umbilical cord stump promotes healthy healing and helps prevent infection. Keeping the cord clean and dry is a primary recommendation, encouraging the stump to dry and fall off naturally.
Sponge baths are advised until the cord stump has detached, as this helps keep the area dry. When dressing the baby, fold down the front of the diaper to expose the cord to air, which aids in drying and prevents contamination from urine. Loose-fitting clothing also allows for better air circulation around the stump.
Avoid applying substances like alcohol, ointments, or powders to the cord stump unless a healthcare professional advises it. The cord should be allowed to fall off on its own; do not attempt to pull or pick at the stump.
When to Contact a Doctor
Seek medical attention if any signs of an umbilical cord infection are observed. Contact a pediatrician for any infection indicators, such as spreading redness, foul-smelling discharge, or tenderness around the stump.
A doctor should also be consulted if the baby develops a fever, becomes unusually lethargic, or starts feeding poorly. These changes in a baby’s overall condition can signal a more widespread infection.
If the umbilical cord stump has not fallen off after three to four weeks, a medical evaluation is recommended. Any parental concern warrants a call to the doctor, as early assessment can support a baby’s health.