A baby’s belly button, medically known as the umbilicus or navel, is a scar formed after birth. It marks the precise location where the umbilical cord connected the developing fetus to its mother, serving as a reminder of the intricate life support system during pregnancy.
From Umbilical Cord to Belly Button
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta. It transfers oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from the mother to the developing baby, while carrying deoxygenated blood and waste products back to the placenta. The cord typically contains two arteries, one vein, and Wharton’s jelly, which protects the vessels.
After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer necessary as the baby can breathe and feed independently. Healthcare providers clamp and cut the cord, a painless procedure due to the absence of nerve endings. This leaves a small stump, usually about 2 to 3 centimeters long, attached to the baby’s abdomen.
Over the following days and weeks, the umbilical stump dries, shrivels, and hardens, changing color from yellowish to brown or black. This process typically occurs within one to three weeks after birth, with many stumps detaching between 5 to 14 days. The stump eventually falls off, revealing the belly button underneath.
Caring for the Healing Area
Proper care of the umbilical stump promotes healing and prevents complications. Keep the area clean and dry. Exposing the stump to air as much as possible helps accelerate the drying process.
To maintain dryness and prevent irritation, fold the baby’s diaper below the umbilical stump. This allows air to circulate and prevents contamination from urine or stool. While the stump is attached, sponge baths are advised instead of full tub baths to minimize moisture exposure. If soiled, gently clean with water and thoroughly pat dry. Allow the stump to detach naturally; avoid pulling or picking at it.
Common Appearances and When to Consult a Doctor
A baby’s belly button can be an “innie” or an “outie.” An “innie” is a depression where the skin goes inward. An “outie” occurs when the skin or scar tissue protrudes outward. The appearance is determined by how the skin heals around the area where the umbilical cord was attached, not by how the cord was cut or cared for. These variations are cosmetic and do not indicate a medical concern.
While healing is usually straightforward, certain signs warrant medical attention. Consult a doctor for excessive redness or swelling around the stump’s base, foul-smelling discharge, yellow or cloudy fluid, or persistent bleeding. Signs of infection also include the baby crying when the area is touched, developing a fever, or appearing unusually sleepy and unwilling to feed. If the umbilical stump has not fallen off after three or four weeks, or if a persistent pinkish-red lump (umbilical granuloma) or a noticeable bulge (umbilical hernia) is present, seek medical advice.