The navel problems of the newborn

I often encounter parents who raise doubts about the status of their baby's navel. I always follow that, for your peace of mind, most of the navels that show me are very healthy. However, I will explain below some notions that can help you recognize whether or not there may be a problem with that sm

I often encounter parents who raise doubts about the status of their baby's navel. I always follow that, for your peace of mind, most of the navels that show me are very healthy.

However, I will explain below some notions that can help you recognize whether or not there may be a problem with that small part of the baby's body.

How is the healthy navel of a newborn

Normal conditions, the umbilical cord of a newborn has the following structures: two arteries, a vein and two vestiges (millimetric remnants of small ducts present in the embryo, called allantoic duct and omphalomesenteric duct). All this is immersed in a gelatinous medium (Wharton jelly). Cord fall occurs during the first two weeks of life.

What problems can we find with the navel of the newborn

1) Structural problems:

- Unique umbilical artery. In general, it does not associate problems with another level. A minimum percentage of cases is associated with vascular, cardiac, renal malformations or alterations in the chromosomes.

- Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct. It is recognized because a fecaloid alkaline liquid comes out through the navel, which gives off a bad smell.

- Persistence of the allantoic duct. It is recognized because an acid, yellowish liquid comes out through the navel.

- Delay in cord fall. It can be associated with cord infection. More rarely, with some immunodeficiency.

2) Bulges:

- Umbilical hernia. They become visible when the child cries, or pushes. They are usually wide-ring, and rarely complicate. If they persist beyond 2-3 years of life, they are operated, but not before.

- Granuloma. It is a small red and soft mass, with the appearance of a small strawberry. They usually disappear spontaneously. If it generates family distress, it can be treated by touching it with silver nitrate.

- Polyp. It is a red mass with a hard consistency. If it causes discomfort, it requires surgical treatment.

3) Infection:

- The navel infection is called omphalitis. So that it does not get complicated, it must be treated carefully with antibiotics (in the most serious cases, intravenously) and with topical antiseptics.