Is It Normal for a Newborn's Belly Button to Have Dried Blood?

Q: Is It Normal for a Newborn's Belly Button to Have Dried Blood?

Hello： Under normal care, the umbilical cord will naturally dry and fall off about seven to ten days after the baby is born. <br>After it falls off, the belly button may ooze some blood, so special care is needed. <br>Regardless of whether the umbilical cord has fallen off, the c

Bloodstains found around the navel?

Our baby brother's umbilical cord fell off on the 9th day after birth, but two days later, we noticed dried blood around the belly button.
Initially, we thought it might be due to the surrounding skin being fragile after the cord fell off and possibly irritated by the diaper.
However, today is the 20th day, and we again found dried blood around the belly button.
I called the nursery to ask a nurse, and they said this is a normal phenomenon.
Is this situation really considered normal?

yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/11/27

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: Under normal care, the umbilical cord will naturally dry and fall off about seven to ten days after the baby is born.
After it falls off, the belly button may ooze some blood, so special care is needed.
Regardless of whether the umbilical cord has fallen off, the care for the belly button mainly involves the following three steps:
1.
During the baby's daily bath, the belly button area should also be cleaned, including the use of soap, ensuring to clean thoroughly down to the base (the white area).
The focus should be on the white umbilical cord (not the black, hard, dry part).
The baby will not feel pain in the belly button area, so you can wash it with confidence.

2.
After cleaning, use a cotton swab to dry the belly button area completely.

3.
Finally, use a cotton swab dipped in 95% alcohol to wipe the belly button, starting from the base of the umbilical cord (or the indentation) and moving outward to the skin.
You should check the belly button for dryness each time you change the diaper.
If the area is moist, repeat the above steps (wiping again with 95% alcohol).
The purpose of 95% alcohol (also known as dehydrated alcohol) is to accelerate the drying of the belly button, not for disinfection; a dry belly button will fall off more easily and is less likely to harbor bacteria.
The alcohol typically used for disinfection is 70% concentration, which is not suitable for belly button care.

After the umbilical cord falls off, the care steps remain the same as mentioned above.
It is important to keep the belly button area dry and avoid getting it wet with urine from the diaper, as a moist and warm belly button can easily accumulate dirt and become inflamed.
Do not forcibly pull on any remaining dry umbilical cord to avoid bleeding.
Avoid using iodine, ointments, sesame oil, or any unknown powders for treatment.
If, by the 20th day, you notice dried blood in the belly button again, it is best to seek medical attention to check for inflammation or any remnants of a congenital urachus.
If it is confirmed that there are no issues, you can feel more at ease.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Pei Ren-Sheng.

Reply Date: 2006/11/27

More Info

It is not uncommon for a newborn's belly button to have dried blood, especially in the days following the detachment of the umbilical cord. Typically, the umbilical cord falls off within the first week to ten days after birth, and during this time, it's normal for the area to be somewhat sensitive and prone to minor bleeding or oozing. However, if you are noticing dried blood at the belly button site well beyond the expected timeframe, such as on the 20th day, it is important to monitor the situation closely.

In the first few days after the umbilical cord falls off, some residual blood or discharge can occur as the skin heals. This is generally due to the healing process and can be exacerbated by friction from diapers or clothing. The area around the belly button can be delicate, and any irritation can lead to minor bleeding. However, if the dried blood persists or if you notice any signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, a foul odor, or discharge that is not clear—it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Proper care of the belly button area is essential to promote healing and prevent infection. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Cleaning: It is important to keep the area clean and dry. When bathing your baby, gently clean the belly button with mild soap and water, ensuring that you dry it thoroughly afterward. Avoid using alcohol or other harsh substances unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

2. Monitoring: Keep an eye on the belly button for any changes. If you notice any persistent bleeding, discharge, or signs of infection, seek medical advice.
3. Diaper Care: Ensure that the diaper is not rubbing against the belly button area. You might consider folding the diaper down to avoid contact with the healing site.

4. Avoiding Irritants: Do not apply any ointments, powders, or other topical treatments unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. These can sometimes irritate the skin further.

5. Consulting a Professional: If the dried blood continues to appear or if you have any concerns about the healing process, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician. They can assess whether there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, such as an infection or a condition related to the umbilical cord.

In summary, while some dried blood at the belly button site can be normal shortly after the umbilical cord falls off, persistent or recurrent bleeding warrants further investigation. Always trust your instincts as a caregiver; if something feels off, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice. Your pediatrician can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to your baby's specific situation.

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