Immediately after birth, a child is very different from an adult in appearance. He has a large head, disproportionate arms and legs. In addition, his navel does not look very aesthetically pleasing. All this will change during further development, gradually and the umbilical cavity will take on a normal appearance.
Instructions
Step 1
The umbilical cavity is formed at the site that connected the newborn's body to the umbilical cord. The latter plays an important role in providing nutrition and oxygen to the baby during intrauterine development. After birth, the need for it disappears, as the baby begins to breathe independently and receive food through the mouth.
Step 2
A few minutes after the baby was born, the pulsation of blood in the umbilical cord stops, and it is cut at some distance from the baby's tummy, and the edge is pulled with a special clothespin (bracket) or tied up. The remainder of the umbilical cord dries up and falls off 3-7 days after birth, but in a number of medical institutions it is cut off on the second day. A wound remains at the site of the umbilical cord attachment, which requires special care.
Step 3
During the child's stay in the maternity hospital, the staff is engaged in the processing of the navel, and after discharge, the responsible work falls on the mother. How to do this correctly, it is imperative to clarify, because in case of infection, there is a danger of inflammation. During the first two weeks of a baby's life, the wound heals up, leaving a neat cavity behind.
Step 4
If the navel does not stop "getting wet", that is, the ichor stands out, it is necessary to continue processing and draw the attention of the local pediatrician to this. The navel of a newborn may be slightly convex, this will pass when the fat layer on the baby's belly increases, in extreme cases by a year, but usually much earlier.
Step 5
During crying, in some babies, the umbilical cavity increases in size, looks swollen. This is because a part of the intestine penetrates into the space that was previously filled with the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. This condition is called an umbilical hernia. It does not pose a danger and passes without medical intervention.
Step 6
An umbilical hernia disappears after a few months or years, depending on its size. Therefore, if symptoms are detected, it makes sense to talk to the pediatrician, since in rare cases her infringement may occur. The doctor will tell you how to behave in this case, what measures to take for prevention.
Step 7
But the indisputable reason to immediately contact a medical institution is the redness and inflamed appearance of the navel of the newborn. Especially if at the same time the baby behaves restlessly, sleeps poorly and cries, despite the absence of hunger and other annoying factors. All these signs indicate an infection of the umbilical wound and urgent action is needed.
