A baby's umbilical cord provides its usefulness when it is within gestation. Throughout the pregnancy the baby has been growing thanks to the nutrients and oxygen that the mother has been providing through the placenta. The umbilical cord is a tube-shaped cord that joins the placenta with the navel of the fetus, in this way its development is fully guaranteed until birth.
When the baby is born, the umbilical cord will no longer be useful. Said union will be cut and the cord will be sealed with a special clamp. From this moment on, the baby will have to be independent of external food, just like his breathing.
How long does the umbilical cord take to detach?
The umbilical cord being cut it will be held with a special clamp as close to your body. Generally it is a matter of days for it to dry out and come off. It will take 8-10 days to fall off. In the case of caesarean sections, the fall can take more days, in some cases it can take up to two weeks.
After detaching and together with the clamp, it will only be a matter of three to five days for it to its healing is formalized. If a correct cure has been followed and there is no infection, your healing can be normal.
The cord will come off naturally, maybe bleed a little, but it will not reverse serious consequences. Healing will occur in three to five days. after his fall and even so the corresponding cures will continue to be made.
How to carry out a correct healing
The cures must be carried out between two and three times a day. You have to wash your hands very well and proceed to the cure. Use water, neutral soap and then let it dry well. You can then apply some 70% alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine. Depending on the medical consultation, they may recommend these solutions or others.
It will be cleaned from the base of the cord to the top, where is the clamp The area must be clean and dry. When placing the diaper, it should not cover the navel, but rather it will be outside the diaper so that it does not contain moisture or get dirty with their stools or urine. If the diaper is tall, it can be folded out.
Do not perform these cures under any circumstances
The best advice is to leave the area uncovered and do not cover it under any circumstances.. The umbilical cord area should remain as ventilated as possible. That is why it is not recommended:
- Do not use any type of girdle, because it can press the area and make the baby uncomfortable.
- It is not advisable to wear belly button, a type of bandage that was previously put on newborn babies, since they can cause other types of injuries.
- Cotton is also not advisable, since it can retain a lot of moisture. It is best to use gauze.
- Do not leave the gauze pads in place and soaked in alcohol, since it can cause irritations.
- Do not try to pull or tear the umbilical cord, as it can cause a lot of bleeding.
- Do not cure with iodine, since it is not recommended for babies. Similarly, it is not good to use mercurochrome or mercurobromo, they are red liquids that can cause eczema or disguise a possible infection.
When is synonymous with alarm?
The cord may not heal properly, even after it falls off does not heal normally. Cases where such circumstances exist will be addressed:
- Redness of the area.
- The fall of the umbilical cord is delayed.
- Bleeding in the navel or cord area.
- There is a smelly discharge.
- Inflammation around the area.
It is important to be attentive, since within two weeks the cord detaches normally. Even if it has fallen and the area is quite red or does not finish healing, you should consult your pediatrician for a possible solution.
