Is it normal for a babys umbilical cord to bleed

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Causes How to care for the umbilical cord stump What to avoid How long does the cord stump remain in place? How to care for the umbilical cord stump. What not to do. Share on Pinterest Diapers can irritate the belly button. How long does the cord stump remain in place? When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A doctor can assess a newborn for signs of infection.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Why do newborn babies grunt? Recognizing and treating Mongolian blue spots. Umbilical granuloma: When to see a doctor An umbilical granuloma is a common abnormality that looks like a red, moist lump of tissue on the navel. Article Umbilical Cord - Bleeding Definition Bleeding occurs from cord's point of separation The navel is also called the belly button or umbilicus The piece of cord that stays on the baby is called the umbilical stump.

Call or Return If Bleeding gets worse Few drops of blood but lasts more than 3 days Your baby starts to look or act abnormal You think your baby needs to be seen. About This Topic Causes Cord has fallen off or is getting ready to fall off Cord got caught on something Navel rubs against something, such as the diaper.

After Care Advice Overview: A few drops of blood are normal after the cord falls off. A small amount of bleeding can also occur when the cord catches on something. If the cord stump is pulled off too soon, it could start actively bleeding, meaning every time you wipe away a drop of blood, another drop appears. If the cord stump continues to bleed, call your baby's provider immediately. Sometimes, instead of completely drying, the cord will form pink scar tissue called a granuloma.

The granuloma drains a light-yellowish fluid. This will most often go away in about a week. If it does not, call your baby's provider. If your baby's stump has not fallen off in 4 weeks and more likely much sooner , call you baby's provider.

There may be a problem with the baby's anatomy or immune system. Nathan AT. The umbilicus. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap