Umbilical Complications During Pregnancy And Birth

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Umbilical complications during pregnancy and birth can lead to health issues for both the mother and the baby. It is not just limited to after birth but can also occur when the baby is in the mother’s womb.

Listed below are common umbilical complications, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Umbilical Complications During Pregnancy And Birth

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious complication that occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby during labour. This can lead to compression or occlusion of the cord, restricting the baby’s oxygen and blood supply.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse Causes

Common causes include:

Premature rupture of membranes
Malpositioned baby
Excessive amniotic fluid

Umbilical Cord Prolapse Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Sudden fetal distress
Changes in the baby’s heart rate
A visible umbilical cord at the vaginal opening

Umbilical Cord Prolapse Treatment

Immediate medical attention is crucial, and treatment may involve:

Repositioning the mother
Emergency cesarean section
Elevating the presenting part of the baby to relieve cord compression

Umbilical Cord Infections

Umbilical cord infections, also known as omphalitis affect about 0.7% of babies.

Umbilical Cord Infection Causes

It occurs when:

Bacteria enter the baby’s umbilical stump, leading to inflammation and potential systemic infection
Insufficient hygiene practices
Unsterile cord care
Unsanitary conditions

Umbilical Cord Infections Symptoms

Symptoms for umbilical cord infections may include:

Redness
Swelling
Discharge
Foul odour
Fever.

Umbilical Cord Infections Treatment

Treatment typically involves:
Antibiotics administered intravenously or orally
In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required for further evaluation and care.

Umbilical Granulomas

Umbilical granulomas are small, reddish, moist masses that develop on the umbilical stump after the cord falls off.

Umbilical Granulomas Causes

They result from an incomplete healing process.

Umbilical Granulomas Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Mild bleeding
Discharge

Umbilical Granulomas Treatment

Although they are generally harmless, persistent granulomas may require treatment. Different approaches may be used to remove the granuloma and promote healing, such as:

Applying silver nitrate
Cauterisation

Umbilical Hernias

Umbilical hernias are characterised by a protrusion of abdominal contents through the belly button. They commonly occur in infants and may resolve spontaneously within the first few years of life. Risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, and family history.

Umbilical Hernias Causes

Umbilical hernias in infants develop when a small opening forms in the abdominal muscles when the fetus develops in the womb. This opening allows the umbilical cord to pass through. If the opening does not close completely around the time of birth, or after the birth, the fatty tissue or part of the bowel can poke through, causing an umbilical hernia.

Umbilical Hernias Symptoms

An umbilical hernia looks like a lump in the navel which becomes more visible when the infant is:

Crying
Laughing
Coughing
Pooping

However, the lump may go away or shrink when the infant is lying relaxed or lying down.

Umbilical Hernias Treatment

Most umbilical hernias are painless and reducible, meaning they can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
In cases where the hernia persists beyond the age of four or becomes incarcerated, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the hernia.

Umbilical complications can sometimes pose significant risks to both newborns and their mothers. Recognising the signs and seeking prompt medical attention is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

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