When does the umbilical cord detach from the body?

When does the umbilical cord detach from the body?

• A. Within 2 weeks
• B. Within 24 hours
• C. Within 3 days
• D. Within 6 weeks

Answer: (A)

The timing around umbilical cord detachment centers on drying and healing. The stump typically detaches within the first one to two weeks after birth, most commonly around days 7–14. This happens as the stump dries out, shrivels, and falls away as part of the healing process. It can occasionally detach a bit earlier, around 5 days, or a bit later, up to about three weeks; if it hasn’t detached by three weeks, a clinician should be consulted. In the meantime, keep the area clean and dry to reduce infection risk. Give sponge baths rather than tub baths until the stump falls off, and place the diaper below the stump to keep urine away from it. Avoid pulling on or tugging at the stump. After it detaches, the healing bellybutton may take a little while longer to close completely. Watch for signs of infection (redness, foul-smelling drainage, swelling, warmth, or fever) and contact a healthcare provider if these occur.

The timing around umbilical cord detachment centers on drying and healing. The stump typically detaches within the first one to two weeks after birth, most commonly around days 7–14. This happens as the stump dries out, shrivels, and falls away as part of the healing process. It can occasionally detach a bit earlier, around 5 days, or a bit later, up to about three weeks; if it hasn’t detached by three weeks, a clinician should be consulted.

In the meantime, keep the area clean and dry to reduce infection risk. Give sponge baths rather than tub baths until the stump falls off, and place the diaper below the stump to keep urine away from it. Avoid pulling on or tugging at the stump. After it detaches, the healing bellybutton may take a little while longer to close completely. Watch for signs of infection (redness, foul-smelling drainage, swelling, warmth, or fever) and contact a healthcare provider if these occur.