When the fetus is inside the mother's uterus the umbilical cord is what connects the baby's blood circulation to the mother. Through the umbilical cord, the placenta transfers all the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the baby, till birth. At the time of birth, the doctor cuts the umbilical cord and a small stump remains in its place. It falls off eventually.
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Could two vessels in the umbilical cord be concerning?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 33-year-old lady and five months pregnant. In my ultrasound report, it says the baby has two vessels in the umbilical cord. Rest of the reports are normal. The doctor suggested me that everything is fine. But, I am worried regarding the complications due to two vessels. Should I... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The umbilical cord should have three vessels. Either the doctor missed one vessel or the baby has only two vessels. So, have a confirmatory scan from a center where a high-risk obstetrics specialist is available. A scan by a senior or very experienced sonologist will ... Read Full »
My baby boy's navel has not healed. Please help.
Query: Hi doctor,My baby boy is one month and 15 days old now. His navel has not healed, and his umbilical cord fell on the 10th day. At that time, I applied Microcin ointment prescribed by the doctor. I am a little bit worried. What is the treatment?Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Treatment options for a non-healing umbilical granuloma may include: Silver nitrate application: This chemical cauterization is a common method to promote healing. Cryotherapy: Freezing the granuloma using cryotherapy can be another approach t... Read Full »
Can I give my 4 day old baby a normal bath?
Query: Hi doctor, Is it all right for a newborn baby of 4 days to be given a normal bath? I read that only sponge bath should be given to the baby till the umbilical cord comes off and is completely healed. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. In this cold winter, it would be preferable to give a sponge bath with lukewarm water, cleaning all areas of the body. One has to be careful that the baby is not exposed to cold. Keep the baby warm. Breastfeed the baby as it gives the mother's warmth also. Read Full »
Why did I see two white worms while cleaning my 7-month-old baby's umbilical cord?
Query: Hi doctor, My child is 7 months old. I am worried about my child. Yesterday, I cleaned his umbilical cord and got two white worms. There is no wound in his umbilical cord. What to do? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You need to address this issue as soon as possible. It can become worse and your child can develop new symptoms. Please mention whether you have noticed urine, stools, pus, or blood oozing out from the umbilicus at any time. For worm infestation, give a thorough bat... Read Full »
My newborn's umbilical cord has not shed. Why?
Query: Hello doctor,My baby is three weeks old, and his umbilical cord has not shed off yet. So, his pediatrician asked us to get a newborn screening done. The reports will come in two days' time, but I am a hypothyroid patient and his TSH at the time of delivery was 12.690 mcgIU/mL. I am just a little bit... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The most common cause of delay in the falling of the cord is the application of lots of antiseptics to the cord. Another cause is leukocyte adhesion deficiency. Please check if the metabolic screen that you have selected will show it or not. The results of the meta... Read Full »
Baby with cord loops around neck. Is normal delivery possible?
Query: Hello doctor, I am full-term pregnant and found in the ultrasound that the baby had three loops of cord around the neck. Can I try for normal delivery? Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and understood your concern. I suggest you take a trial of labor with continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate with an NST (non-stress test) machine to check any changes in rate and rhythm with contraction. If your consent is there, then o... Read Full »
Is it safe to apply salt for umbilical granuloma in a newborn baby?
Query: Hello doctor,My son is 53 days old. He has developed umbilical granuloma. I have applied Mupirocin and Neosporin dusting powder, but no change is noticed. Is the application of salt will be useful? If so how should I apply that? Someone told me that sometimes granuloma bleeds after the application o... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You are right about the diagnosis being umbilical granuloma. The treatment for it is the application of copper sulfate crystals over the umbilicus for a couple of minutes and then it has to be... Read Full »
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