Although it doesn't typically occur, uncontrolled heavy bleeding from the umbilical cord in a newborn baby can lead to loss of blood and death. The blood vessel-lined cord connects the placenta to the baby's body through an opening in the abdomen. Failure to close this opening off and care for the cord properly after birth increases the chances that your newborn baby will experience cord complications, including excessive bleeding.
Bleeding at Birth
In a typical physician-attended birthing situation, the pregnancy care provider clamps off the umbilical cord within a few inches of the baby's belly -- usually with a plastic clip -- and cuts the cord with a pair of sterile scissors. During an emergency childbirth that involves a rapid delivery, the cord may rupture accidentally, which could lead to heavy bleeding, anemia and potential death of the infant. Similarly, inadequately trained birthing attendants could clamp the cord improperly, which may lead to excessive bleeding and the need for a blood transfusion.
Normal Bleeding
The snipped end of the umbilical cord sometimes oozes a bit of blood shortly after being cut, but it typically dries out quickly and no longer shows signs of fresh blood. Similarly, when the umbilical cord stump falls off, you may see a few drops of blood on your baby's underclothes or diaper; that is normal and shouldn't involve heavy or regular bleeding, according to Dr. Steven Shelov, Mount Sinai School of Medicine professor of pediatrics and author of "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child."
Treatment
Normal blood oozing from a newborn's umbilical cord is typically not cause for alarm and can usually be cared for properly at home. Remove and replace soiled clothing and diapers. Visually inspect the umbilical cord to ensure that the bleeding has stopped and to verify the absence of signs of infection, such as excessive redness or swelling. Dip a cotton-tipped swab in rubbing alcohol and dab the alcohol directly on the cord to facilitate drying, healing and cleanliness. Apply the rubbing alcohol once or twice daily until the cord stump falls off completely.
Cautions
Contact your pediatrician or pregnancy care provider immediately if you notice steady or repeated instances of umbilical cord bleeding. This type of bleeding can be serious and may be a sign of underlying problems, such as a bleeding disorder or infection. Other symptoms that may indicate a possible problem with your infant's umbilical cord include smelly, yellow discharge coming from the cord, excessive fussiness or pain when you touch the cord or surrounding skin.
References
- "Maternal-Fetal Medicine"; Dr. Robert Creasy, et al.; 2004
- "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child"; Dr. Steven Shelov; 2009
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; Dr. William Sears, et al; 2011
