How do you know if the umbilical cord is infected?

Signs and symptoms

UCIs can occur before and after birth. Infections that occur before delivery usually do not cause any specific symptoms, but there may be signs of infected amniotic fluid. Infections that develop after birth may cause the cord stump to change color or bleed.

Below are some signs and symptoms of UCIs.
Before birth

If bacteria enter the vagina, it can cause an infection within the womb. If it spreads to the amniotic sac, it is known as chorioamnionitis. In some cases, the infection may involve the umbilical cord. Doctors refer to this as funisitis.

Funisitis increases the risk of childbirth complications, such as stillbirth. Babies who are born with funisitis may experience health complications, including organ damage and long-term developmental issues.

A woman who has chorioamnionitis symptoms is more likely to have a baby with funisitis. Some warning signs of chorioamnionitis include:

* foul-smelling vaginal discharge
** abdominal pain
fever
* rapid pulse rate

After birth

After a baby is born, a healthcare provider will clamp and cut the umbilical cord. This will leave behind a small umbilical stump, which typically dries up and falls off within the first few weeks of the baby’s life.

Sometimes, bacteria can infect the umbilical stump, which is known medically as omphalitis. This is an uncommon condition that affects about 0.7%Trusted Source of babies in developed nations.

Without prompt treatment, the infection can rapidly spread beyond the stump. As a result, omphalitis has a mortality rate of 7–15%Trusted Source.

Parents and caregivers should familiarize themselves with the following signs of an infected umbilical stump:

* increased bleeding from the cord
* discharge from the cord
* bad odors coming from the cord
* redness around the belly button or umbilical cord
* a rash or blisters on or around the cord
* fever
* a baby who does not want to eat, or seems very sleepy
* sudden changes in the baby’s behavior

Below are some factors that can increaseTrusted Source a baby’s risk of developing a UCI:

* The baby has a low birth weight.
* The pregnant woman has chorioamnionitis or another type of infection during birth.
* The woman’s amniotic membranes rupture 24 hours or more before delivery.
* The baby is born in unsterile conditions, or a healthcare provider uses an unclean instrument to cut the umbilical cord.
* Parents or caregivers do not properly care for the umbilical cord stump, for example, if a person pulls off the stump, or gets it dirty.