The belly button, or navel, marks a significant biological event in every individual’s life, connecting them to their earliest stages of development. Its appearance varies widely, from an “innie” to an “outie.” This small indentation on the abdomen is a reminder of time spent within the womb.
From Umbilical Cord to Belly Button
During pregnancy, a flexible, tube-like structure called the umbilical cord acts as a lifeline between a developing fetus and its mother. This cord forms in the uterus during the first trimester, connecting the fetus’s belly to the placenta, a temporary organ attached to the uterine wall. The umbilical cord is composed of two arteries and one vein, all cushioned by a substance known as Wharton’s jelly.
This structure facilitates the passage of oxygen and nutrients from the maternal circulation to the fetal circulation. It also carries away waste products from the fetus, returning them to the mother’s body for disposal. Once a baby is born, the umbilical cord is no longer needed because the infant can now breathe and feed independently.
Shortly after birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, a procedure that is painless for both the mother and the baby as the cord contains no nerves. This process leaves a small stump of the cord attached to the baby’s abdomen. Over the next one to three weeks, this stump naturally dries, shrivels, and changes color from yellowish-green to brown or black before detaching on its own. The spot where the umbilical cord was once attached then heals, leaving behind the belly button, which is essentially a scar.
The Belly Button’s Purpose After Birth
Once the umbilical cord stump has dried and fallen off, the belly button, or navel, serves no active physiological purpose. It is a scar left from the cord’s detachment. The blood vessels within the umbilical cord that facilitated nutrient and waste exchange during gestation naturally close off and become non-functional after birth.
The belly button is not connected to any internal organs in adults in a functional way, though it is attached to underlying fascia, similar to other skin areas. It serves as an external anatomical landmark. Its appearance is determined by how the scar heals.
Caring for the Navel
Proper care of the navel is important, especially for newborns, to ensure healthy healing and prevent infection. The umbilical cord stump requires attention until it falls off, typically within one to three weeks after birth. Keeping the stump clean and dry is important. Parents should give sponge baths rather than full tub baths until the stump has detached, allowing the area to remain dry.
Folding the diaper down below the stump helps expose it to air, aiding the drying process and preventing contamination from urine or feces. Allow the stump to fall off naturally; never attempt to pull it off, as this can cause bleeding or harm to the baby. Parents should monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or tenderness around the stump. If these signs appear, or if the stump has not fallen off after three weeks, medical consultation is recommended.
For adults, the belly button, like other skin folds, can collect dirt, sweat, and lint, making regular cleaning beneficial. Using mild soap and water during a shower is generally sufficient for hygiene. For deeper “innie” navels, a cotton swab with soap and water can help clean crevices. After washing, ensure the area is thoroughly dried to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to odor or bacterial growth.