Once the cord is clamped and baby takes over their own oxygenation and “feeding”, the cord shrivels and dies. It is days and needs some care to prevent infection (Omphalitis) or worse. Surgical spirits are useful drying agents or some prefer “wound” powders. It should fall off within a week of birth and occasionally leaves an umbilical hernia – a protrusion of gut tissue through a defect in the peritoneum (inner lining of the abdomen) or a granuloma (residual healing tissue), which may need cauterisation or tying off.
Umbilicus
