The umbilical cord stump is the small remnant of tissue left behind after the connection between a newborn and the placenta is severed at birth. The sight of this drying tissue often causes worry regarding proper care and the process of its separation. The natural detachment of the stump is a major milestone, frequently prompting the question of whether seeing blood during this time is a sign of a problem. Understanding this biological process can help alleviate anxiety about the healing navel.
The Process of Umbilical Cord Separation
The separation process is where the body naturally removes tissue that is no longer functional. Once clamped and cut, the cord stump contains no nerve endings, so the baby feels no pain as it begins to dry and shrivel. The shiny, yellowish tissue begins a process called necrosis, where the cells die, and the stump changes color to brown or black as it dehydrates.
This drying out is supported by the influx of white blood cells, which helps the body break down the connection at the base of the stump. Detachment typically occurs between one and three weeks after birth, averaging around 10 to 14 days. Keeping the area dry and clean is the recommended care practice while waiting for separation.
Parents should expose the stump to air as much as possible to facilitate drying. This means folding the top of the diaper down or using diapers with a specialized cutout to prevent coverage. Until the stump falls off, sponge baths are advised to avoid submerging the area in water. Getting the stump wet accidentally is not harmful as long as it is patted dry afterward. Gently allowing the natural process to occur without pulling or tugging ensures proper separation.
Normal Spotting and Crusting After Detachment
When the umbilical cord stump detaches, it leaves a small, actively healing wound, and minor bleeding is common. A few drops of blood or light, blood-tinged fluid at the navel base are normal, similar to a scab coming off. The spot where the cord was attached may appear raw or form a dried crust, which should be left alone to heal naturally.
Movement, such as a jostle during a diaper change or friction from clothing, can cause this small, raw area to bleed slightly again. This light spotting is self-limiting and should cease quickly. The presence of dried, dark crusts is part of the normal healing phase and should not be picked off.
In some cases, a small, soft, reddish lump of scar tissue known as an umbilical granuloma may form after the stump falls off. This overgrowth of tissue is benign and does not contain nerve endings. It can sometimes weep a small amount of clear or yellowish fluid, which may appear slightly blood-tinged. If a granuloma does not resolve on its own within a week, a pediatrician can easily treat it in the office.
Warning Signs: When to Contact a Pediatrician
While minor spotting is normal, active, persistent bleeding requires medical attention. Active bleeding is defined as more than a few drops of blood that soaks a diaper or clothing, or bleeding that continues after applying light pressure for several minutes. This suggests a more significant issue at the site of separation.
Parents should also watch for signs of infection, medically termed omphalitis, which is rare but requires prompt treatment. Signs of infection appear as a thick, foul-smelling yellow or green discharge (pus) oozing from the navel area. The skin surrounding the navel may become red, swollen, or warm to the touch, and this redness may begin to spread across the abdomen.
Other concerning signs are systemic, indicating the infection may be spreading beyond the navel area. These include:
- The infant developing a fever.
- Showing increased irritability.
- Becoming unusually lethargic and listless.
- Poor feeding habits.
If any of these symptoms accompany the healing process, contacting a pediatrician without delay is necessary.