How long cord falls off

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How to Bathe Your Newborn Baby. View Sources. PediaClinic, Umbilical Granuloma , In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Newborn nursery care. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. Care of the newborn. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Updated by: Neil K. Skip to navigation menu Skip to content. High Priority Alert. Close alert. Informational Alert.

Umbilical Cord Symptoms. Is this your child's symptom? Umbilical cord or navel questions about newborns The navel is also called the belly button or umbilicus Symptoms Umbilicus navel has a cloudy discharge or even some dried pus on the surface Bleeding occurs from cord's point of separation Separation of cord is delayed past 3 weeks Omphalitis: Serious Complication Definition.

Bacterial infection of the umbilical stump with spread to the skin around it. After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed — so it's clamped and snipped. This leaves behind a short stump. Your baby's umbilical cord stump dries out and eventually falls off — usually within one to three weeks after birth.

In the meantime, treat the area gently:. During the healing process, it's normal to see a little blood near the stump. Much like a scab, the cord stump might bleed a little when it falls off. However, contact your baby's doctor if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump. These could be signs of an umbilical cord infection.

Prompt treatment is needed to stop the infection from spreading. Also, talk to your baby's doctor if the stump still hasn't separated after three weeks. This might be a sign of an underlying problem, such an infection or immune system disorder. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.