Vanessa Lin
The umbilical cord is a vital connection between a mother and her baby during pregnancy, providing oxygen, nutrients, and blood. After birth, the cord is cut, leaving a small stump that dries and falls off within a few weeks. While it's normal for there to be a small amount of bleeding at the point where the cord separates from the baby's body, active, persistent, or excessive bleeding can indicate a problem. Proper cord care is essential to prevent infection and excessive bleeding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal bleeding | Small amount of bleeding from the spot where the cord starts separating from the baby's body |
| Diaper rubbing against the cord | Can cause umbilical bleeding, but should subside quickly and be only a few drops |
| Diaper pressing against the cord | May cause bleeding, ensure diaper isn't pressing or rubbing against the umbilical stump |
| Treatment | Clean the area around the umbilical cord and apply a small amount of pressure to the umbilical stump to slow and stop the bleeding |
| Care | Keep the cord clean and dry until it falls off on its own; change diapers often to prevent urine or stool from reaching the cord |
| Bathing | Avoid submerging the baby in water until the cord falls off; do sponge baths instead |
| Time to fall off | Typically falls off within 10-14 days after birth, but can be as early as 1 week or as late as 3-4 weeks |
| Infection | Rare, but possible; signs include redness, swelling, foul-smelling drainage, fever, pain, and unusual bleeding |
| Alcohol use | Not recommended, as it may irritate the skin and delay the cord from drying out |
What You'll Learn
Diaper rubbing against the cord
It's not uncommon for a newborn's belly button to bleed, and this is usually a normal part of the healing process. However, it's important to take steps to prevent the diaper from rubbing against the cord and causing irritation or bleeding. Here are some tips to help keep the cord area clean and dry:
Adjust the Diaper
Keep the diaper low so that it doesn't cover the cord area. Air exposure helps the wound heal and dry, allowing the cord to fall off naturally. You can do this by folding down the front of the diaper so that it sits below the cord, or by cutting a small piece off the front of the diaper and sealing the edge with tape. This will ensure that the diaper doesn't rub against the cord.
Change the Length
If needed, adjust the length of the diaper by changing the rise (the snaps in the lower middle of the diaper) to be shorter. This will help the diaper sit lower and reduce the risk of it touching the cord area.
Pre-Fold
If you have extra fabric, fold it down in the back of the diaper instead of the front to reduce bulk and improve the fit.
All-in-One Diapers
For all-in-one diapers, unsnap the front portion of the insert to push the insert below the belly for a looser and better fit.
Sponge Baths
Stick to sponge baths instead of regular baths to keep the stump dry. During a sponge bath, use a warm, damp sponge or cloth to wipe or dab the baby clean, being careful to avoid the umbilical area.
Watch for Signs of Infection
While rare, infection can occur at the stump site. Contact your baby's healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Foul-smelling, yellow drainage from the stump
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness of the skin around the stump
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- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Floppy, poor muscle tone
In most cases, the cord will fall off on its own within a few weeks. If you notice any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze. If the bleeding does not stop, consult your baby's healthcare provider.
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Signs of an infected umbilical cord
It is not uncommon for a newborn's belly button to bleed, and it is usually nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of an infected umbilical cord, which is a medical emergency.
Infection of the umbilical cord stump is called omphalitis. This is a bacterial infection that can spread quickly and lead to serious complications. It is estimated that omphalitis affects less than 1% of babies in high-income countries, but the rate is higher in low- and middle-income countries.
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness of the skin around the stump.
- Foul-smelling, yellow, or cloudy discharge from the stump.
- Hardened or thick skin around the stump.
- The baby seems uncomfortable, fussy, or irritable, or is overly sleepy or lethargic.
- The stump continues to bleed and does not stop with gentle pressure.
- The stump has not fallen off after three to four weeks.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your baby's healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to evaluate the situation and provide the necessary care to ensure your baby recovers fully.
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When to call a doctor
While newborn belly button bleeding is usually normal, there are some instances where you should call a doctor. Contact your baby's healthcare provider if:
- The bleeding is hard to stop or continues for more than a few drops.
- There are signs of infection, such as cloudy or pus-like drainage, foul-smelling odour, redness, swelling, or pain around the belly button area.
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or cries when you touch the umbilical cord stump or the surrounding skin.
- Your baby is not feeding normally, seems overly sleepy or lethargic, or has a fever.
- The cord stump has not fallen off within 4 weeks. This could indicate a problem with your baby's anatomy or immune system.
If you are ever concerned about your baby's health, it is always best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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Caring for the umbilical cord stump
It is normal for a newborn's belly button to bleed while the umbilical cord is falling off or shortly after it does. The umbilical cord stump should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Here are some tips for caring for your newborn's umbilical cord stump:
Keep the stump clean and dry
Use gauze and water only to clean the stump. It is important to keep the stump as clean and dry as possible to prevent infection and allow it to fall off naturally.
Sponge bathe your baby
Instead of submerging your baby in a tub of water, give them a sponge bath until the cord stump falls off. Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water and, if needed, a mild soap. Gently wipe your baby's skin, starting from the head and working your way down. Pay special attention to the skin creases and diaper area. Rinse your baby with clean warm water and dry them completely.
Expose the area to air
Keep the stump uncovered for a little while each day to help it dry out.
Change diapers regularly
Use clean, dry diapers to prevent urine or stool from reaching the umbilical area. Fold the front of the diaper down below the cord stump and towards your baby's tummy. This will help keep the stump clean and dry.
Let the cord fall off naturally
Do not try to pull off the stump, even if it seems like it is only hanging on by a thread. Pulling off the stump may cause unnecessary bleeding and increase the risk of infection. The stump should fall off naturally within one to three weeks after birth.
Watch for signs of infection
Contact your baby's healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as foul-smelling, yellow drainage from the stump, redness, swelling, or tenderness of the skin around the stump, fever, or floppy, poor muscle tone.
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How long does the cord stump remain in place?
The umbilical cord stump usually falls off within one to three weeks after birth. It is normal for the stump to fall off as early as 1 week after birth or as late as 3 weeks after birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that most babies will lose their cord stumps in 10 to 14 days.
However, if the stump has not fallen off after 3 weeks, it is important to contact a doctor. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The stump will change colour from yellowish-green to brown to black before falling off on its own.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not uncommon for a newborn’s belly button to bleed while the cord is falling off or shortly after it does. It is usually a small amount of bleeding and is a normal part of the healing process.
To stop a newborn baby’s belly button from bleeding, hold a piece of clean gauze gently but firmly over the belly button area. If the bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, consult a doctor.
If you have difficulty stopping the bleeding or if there is more than just a few drops of blood, contact your baby's doctor. This could indicate an infection. Other signs of infection include red, warm skin around the belly button, cloudy or pus-like drainage, foul smell, and pain or discomfort when the area is touched.
