The umbilical cord connects a mother and her baby in the womb, supplying nutrients and removing waste. After birth, it dries up and falls off. Umbilical cord odor is common but can be caused by infection, dirt, or bacteria. Normal odors are mild, but signs of infection include swelling, redness, bleeding, and pus. Infections require medical treatment. To prevent odors, keep the area dry and avoid scrubbing or using lotions or soaps.
The umbilical cord is the connection between a mother and her baby in the womb that supplies the baby with nutrients and removes waste products. Since the cord is not needed after birth, it is reduced to a short stump of tissue that dries up and falls off without the need for further medical intervention. While cable problems are relatively rare, problems do occasionally arise. One of the most common complications is umbilical cord odor. Common causes of cable odors are infection, dirt, bacteria, and harmless odors associated with drying out the cable.
Some level of odor from a newborn’s umbilical cord is common and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Normal umbilical cord odors are mild and should not be noticeable unless the baby’s caregiver is in close proximity to the stump. To help prevent cord odors, it’s important to keep the area dry and avoid nappy scrubbing it. The area should be allowed to air dry as much as possible and should not be exposed to lotions or soaps, although it can be scrubbed with rubbing alcohol if necessary. While some parents may be tempted to remove the dry stump, this can cause bleeding and increase susceptibility to infection.
Umbilical cord odors caused by infection will be evident during diaper changes and may be accompanied by discharge or pus in the area. An infection can be caused by bacteria or dirt that gets into the umbilical cord stump. The bacteria could come from caregivers not washing their hands before cleaning the area or changing diapers, or from the diaper pad itself. Newborns may also have a fever due to the infection.
Common signs of an umbilical cord infection include swelling around the umbilical cord stump or significant redness in the area. While a little bleeding from the stump is normal, excessive bleeding can also be a sign of infection. White or yellow pus oozing from the site is a clear indication that the cord stump is not healing properly. The smell of the cable will range from unpleasant to dirty and may get worse over time.
Umbilical cord infections can be serious and require professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may include antibiotics or a simple cautery procedure. Any concerns about umbilical cord odors should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician.
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