As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you may have started thinking about who will have the honor of cutting your baby’s umbilical cord after birth. But have you given much thought to what happens next? Read more to learn about umbilical cord care, including how to keep it clean, signs of an infected umbilical cord, and things to watch out for after it’s detached.
During pregnancy, your baby’s umbilical cord is vital to its development. Your baby’s umbilical cord provides the blood, oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow through its two arteries and one vein. It also removes waste.1 At birth, the function of the umbilical cord is taken over by your baby’s ability to breathe on his own and receive nutrients through feeding. The cord is tightened to stop the blood flow about 1 inch from your baby’s abdomen.7 The rest of the cord is cut, leaving the stump of the umbilical cord. Since there are no nerves in the umbilical cord, this is a painless procedure.1
Taking care of the umbilical cord can prevent complications such as infection or accidental detachment that causes bleeding. After birth, the umbilical cord stump is wet, and if you don’t take care of it properly and let it dry naturally, it can become the perfect place for bacteria to grow and enter your baby’s body.7 An umbilical cord stump infection known as umbilical cord infection can spread and become a serious medical emergency.6
Experts no longer recommend cleaning your baby’s umbilical cord with rubbing alcohol. Research studies have shown that this can irritate the surrounding skin and prevent the natural separation of the umbilical cord stump.2 This is thought to be because alcohol can wash away the helpful bacteria that aid in the separation process.1
You should inspect the skin around your baby’s cord stump daily. You may need to gently push down on your baby’s belly and bend the cord to visualize the entire area. If you notice any discharge, you can use a wet cotton swab to carefully wipe it off and allow the skin to air dry. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the area only if instructed to do so by your baby’s provider.6 Although regular cleaning is not necessary, simply washing the stump of the drying string gently with clean water and a towel and letting it air dry is the best technique to use if the string becomes soiled with baby’s urine or poo. your.1 Umbilical cord stumps must be sufficiently dry to allow them to detach naturally.6 You’ll want to give your baby a sponge bath until the cord falls off.1
When changing their diaper, roll the front down before attaching to make sure the cord stump isn’t in it. This will help the base of the string stay dry.2
Detachment of the cord stump is a natural part of your baby’s development. Here are the stages of newborn navel healing:
- At first, your baby’s cord stump will tighten and look thick and moist with a whitish-yellow or blue tint.6
- Within a day or two, the cord is dry enough for a healthcare provider to remove the cord clamp. This is usually done before discharge if you give birth in hospital.7
- Within days of birth, the cord stump will shrink and turn brown or gray.
- As time goes on, the color will darken and the cable log will continue to shrink as it dries.6
- Complete separation usually takes one to three weeks.1
It can be tempting to remove a dangling string as it detaches, but it’s necessary to leave it alone and wait for it to fall out on its own. This will help prevent bleeding from the newborn’s umbilical cord that can occur if it is removed too soon.2 If your baby’s cord hasn’t fallen off on its own after three weeks, tell your healthcare provider.4
When the time comes, you may be surprised one day to find that your baby’s umbilical cord stump has fallen into his blanket. Look closely at their belly button to make sure it is healing properly. If the umbilical cord falls off and looks yellow or yellow underneath, this is a normal and temporary part of the treatment. A small amount of bleeding from the umbilical cord is also normal. However, if the bleeding is active, meaning that every time a drop of blood is wiped away, another appears, or you see a spot of blood on their foot larger than 2 inches, this is abnormal. You should contact your baby’s provider immediately.4.6
Some babies will develop an umbilical granuloma. This small red mass of scar tissue remains after detachment of the umbilical cord stump.3 The granulomatous tissue produces a pale yellow or clear mucous drainage without other symptoms of infection. This usually resolves itself within a week. However, tell your baby’s healthcare provider if the granuloma persists beyond a week.1 Untreated umbilical granulomas can grow and become a potential source of infection.6 Treatment for an umbilical granuloma is usually an application of silver nitrate, which cauterizes or burns the tissue. This area has no nerves, so this procedure will be painless for your baby.2
Infections of the umbilical cord (“umbilitis”) are rare, but it is necessary to distinguish between a normal and an infected umbilical cord. Signs of infection include a foul-smelling cord, redness, swelling or tenderness of the skin surrounding your baby’s belly button.1 There may also be yellow drainage or bleeding. Also, your baby may develop a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, not feel well enough to feed, have poor muscle tone, or feel floppy. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your baby has any of these symptoms.4
Umbilical cord care requires keeping the cord stump out of the diaper and dry. It is vital to assess the cord and surrounding skin daily for signs of infection and only sponge baths until it is completely detached. If you have any concerns about bleeding or drainage after this, be sure to talk to your baby’s health care provider.
Newborns come into this world with unique vulnerabilities that require special care and attention. Now that you know how to care for your baby’s umbilical cord stump, enjoy this moment you have with your little one because this stage doesn’t last forever.
