What it means
The belly button. It is a common landmark: the fundus of the uterus is felt at about the level of the umbilicus soon after birth and then moves lower day by day. In a newborn, the cord stump dries and falls off, usually within about two weeks. An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the navel.
For the nurse
Teach parents to keep the newborn's cord stump clean and dry, fold the diaper below it, and report redness, swelling, a bad smell or drainage.
At a glance
| Everyday words | belly button, navel |
|---|---|
| Spanish | ombligo |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
abdomin/o
A word root that means the abdomen, the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis.