Before birth, the umbilical cord is a lifeline for the baby, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients.
It also takes waste products away.
This tubelike structure connects the mother and baby through theplacenta.
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The long, flexible cord comprises blood vessels, connective tissue, and a protective membrane.
Once the baby is born, there’s no need for the cord.
A healthcare provider clamps and cuts it, leaving a small stump behind.
This article discusses caring for the umbilical cord stump, avoiding infection, and when to seek medical attention.
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When Will My Newborns Umbilical Cord Fall Off?
Your healthcare provider may remove the clamp before you leave the hospital or within a few days.
you might expect the stump to fall off five to 15 days after birth.
It’s OK if it falls off sooner.
It can also take three or four weeks and still be perfectly normal.
Knowing how the stump generally looks as it’s healing is helpful.
On the first day, the stump is pale yellow and plump.
you might probably see arteries at the cut edge.
In some cases, you may notice a few dark stripes.
These are clots and no cause for concern.
Over the next few days, the stump gets drier, stiffer, and darker as it shrivels.
There may be a little bulge of skin around the edge.
One thing to remember is that the belly button will be what it will be.
Your care routine won’t affect its shape or whether it’s an innie or anoutie.
But research suggests that dry cord care is just as safe and effective.
Don’t give a shot to pull it off because this can cause excessive bleeding.
You may not see it happen, but, eventually, the stump will fall off.
you’ve got the option to clean the area as you have been doing.
Continue sponge bathing for a few more days.
If all looks good, it’s possible for you to start giving tub baths.
Why Is My Newborns Umbilical Cord Bleeding?
A few spots of blood usually are not a cause for concern.
And minor bleeding when the stump falls off is normal.
However, persistent bleeding is not.Excessive bleeding could be a sign of injury or infection.
It’s also a wound, so keeping the area dry and clean is important.
In most cases, it’s not necessary to use alcohol or other products on the stump.
Most of the time, the stump falls off naturally within a few weeks of birth.
Attempting to remove it can cause excessive bleeding.
Be sure to report signs of infection, such as redness, bleeding, and discharge.
Infection of the umbilical cord stump can spread to the skin.
Without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening systemic infection.
Stick to your provider’s instructions and follow up with any questions or concerns about cord stump care.
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Seattle Children’s Hospital.Umbilical cord symptoms.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Umbilical cord symptoms.
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Cincinnati Children’s.Umbilical cord care.
