After birth, the umbilical cord, which previously connected the baby to the mother's placenta and provided vital nutrients during fetal development, undergoes a natural process of detachment from the baby's body.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
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Clamping and Cutting: Following birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. This separates the baby from the placenta.
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The Umbilical Stump: A small portion of the cord, known as the umbilical stump, remains attached to the baby's abdomen.
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Drying and Detachment: Over the next 1 to 3 weeks, the umbilical stump dries out and gradually falls off on its own. It's important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
In summary, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut after birth, leaving a stump that dries and falls off naturally within a few weeks.
