A navel stump is the remaining portion of the umbilical cord attached to a newborn's abdomen after the cord is cut.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord Stump
After birth, a healthcare professional cuts the umbilical cord, leaving a small section attached to the baby's belly. This remaining piece is called the umbilical cord stump or, more commonly, the navel stump. It's essentially the dried-up end of the cord that eventually falls off.
- Appearance: The navel stump is typically a grayish-white color and will gradually dry and shrink over several days.
- Process: It naturally detaches from the baby's abdomen within one to three weeks after birth.
- Location: The stump is located where the baby's belly button (navel) will eventually form.
- Care: The navel stump requires minimal care. Keeping it clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection.
The navel (or belly button) is the scar that remains after the umbilical cord stump falls off.
