P35-P39: Infections specific to the perinatal period
P38: Omphalitis of newborn with or without mild haemorrhage
During pregnancy the umbilical cord connects the child's blood circulation to the mother's. The child receives nutrients and oxygen via the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. After the birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Part of the umbilical cord remains in the child, usually drying out and dropping off after a while. The navel is left behind in the place where the umbilical cord used to be.
Bacteria can cause inflammation in the baby’s navel. These bacteria can multiply, particularly, within the remains of the umbilical cord.
Inflammation may cause the child’s navel to moisten. There may also be bleeding from the navel. The skin around the navel can become red and swollen. There may also be fever. The inflammation may spread to other parts of the skin on the stomach and body. This can cause serious illness.
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