The small scar on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was once attached is known as the navel or belly button. This mark reminds us of our earliest connection to our mothers, providing oxygen and nutrients during development. While a minor anatomical feature, the navel often sparks curiosity, especially for new parents.
How the Navel Forms
The process of navel formation begins immediately after birth when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to the baby’s abdomen. This stump, typically 2 to 3 centimeters long, then undergoes a natural drying process. Over one to three weeks, the stump dries, shrivels, and changes color, usually from a yellowish-green to brown or black, before it naturally falls off. The resulting navel is a scar, formed as the skin heals after the stump detaches. Its final appearance is determined by this healing process, not by how the umbilical cord was cut or cared for; factors like how the cord was clamped by a healthcare provider do not influence whether a person will have an “innie” or an “outie.”
What to Expect: Normal Appearance and Minor Concerns
The navel exhibits a wide range of normal appearances, varying in shape, size, and depth among individuals. The most common distinctions are the “innie,” which is a concave indentation, and the “outie,” a less common type where the remaining tissue protrudes outward, occurring in about 10% of the population. Other shapes can include vertical, horizontal, round, or even light bulb-like appearances.
After the umbilical stump falls off, some minor issues can arise that are generally not a cause for concern. It is common to observe a small amount of clear or yellowish fluid oozing from the area, which may also be slightly blood-tinged. A faint odor might also be present. Occasionally, a small, reddish, moist bump of tissue known as an umbilical granuloma can form, which may secrete a light-yellowish fluid. These granulomas often resolve on their own within about a week, though a doctor can treat them if they persist.
Signs That Warrant Medical Attention
While many navel appearances and minor healing issues are normal, certain signs indicate a potential problem requiring medical evaluation. Persistent redness or swelling around the navel, especially if it spreads, can suggest an infection. A foul odor or pus-like, cloudy, or discolored discharge from the navel area are also red flags. Bleeding that does not stop after applying gentle pressure, or a spot of blood larger than 2 inches, warrants immediate attention.
If a baby develops a fever, appears unusually sleepy, refuses to feed, or shows signs of pain or discomfort when the navel is touched, these symptoms, particularly when combined with navel changes, require prompt medical advice. A bulging navel, especially one that becomes more prominent when the baby cries or strains, might indicate an umbilical hernia. While many umbilical hernias close on their own, a doctor should monitor them to ensure proper resolution.