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Children's health

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Original poster

Does this umbilical cord look infected? Pic included

47 replies

Pantone363 · 11/04/2015 22:53

DD 4 days old. It smells quite a bit but not awful.

Haven't seen the midwife since she was born and she's not coming until Monday. This is DC4 but I've never seen one look this sore before?
Thanks

OP posts:
stoopstoconker · 11/04/2015 22:55

that does look a bit sore.

bump

Gettothechopper · 11/04/2015 22:57

I'd contact OOH GP tonight, redness around the umbilicus is a sign of infection.

XLIX · 11/04/2015 22:57

Yes, that does look a bit infected from the picture. Can you contact pedi? Is she very unhappy? Does she feel warm?

NeedANewDirection · 11/04/2015 22:58

No expert, but I don't think my 3 were as red as that. Any temperature?
I'd go to OOH first thing.

NeedANewDirection · 11/04/2015 22:59

Oh as only 4 days, can you still contact post natal ward if you had her in hospital?

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 11/04/2015 22:59

It does look infected, I'd contact OOH tonight rather than wait.

NeedANewDirection · 11/04/2015 23:01

And why haven't you seen midwife? They are supposed to come on day 2 aren't they? Or at any time if you have concerns if a homebirth?

deana4 · 11/04/2015 23:02

Contact post-natal, the cord looks very sore, is there any pus coming from the belly button?

Original poster
Pantone363 · 11/04/2015 23:03

Oh shit really Sad

She seems fine, no temp.

I had her at home so can't ring the hospital. Will ring OOH now, thanks for replies.

OP posts:
hedwig2001 · 11/04/2015 23:03

I work on a Neonatal unit. That looks like it needs antibiotics. I would admit baby for IV antibiotics but some would give oral antibiotics. Go straight to A&E tonight. Pack a bag, you may need to stay.

Original poster
Pantone363 · 11/04/2015 23:05

Fuck, ok thanks.

OP posts:
deana4 · 11/04/2015 23:05

u can ring the hospital. call the post natal ward from the hospital the community midwives u had are located. it looks really sore.
many congratulations on ur new addition x

pullthecracker · 11/04/2015 23:05

It's seperated quite early if she's 4 days. Infected umbilical cords can be very dangerous, it does look quite red around the base, as pp's have said, go to OOH tonight, please don't wait until tomorrow to see a Dr. Watch out for any other signs that your baby may be unwell, lethargy, poor feeding, too hot, too cold being some of them.

pullthecracker · 11/04/2015 23:06

I agree hedwig IV antibiotics would be best.

Original poster
Pantone363 · 11/04/2015 23:13

OOH phone line is closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

A&E?

OP posts:
thetroubleis · 11/04/2015 23:15

I would go to A and E if OOH is closed, I don't think that can wait and it's your only other option.

pullthecracker · 11/04/2015 23:17

Yes, A & E, don't leave this, please.

HollyJollyDillydolly · 11/04/2015 23:19

Looks like it could be infected, lots of redness surrounding the belly button there.

Original poster
Pantone363 · 11/04/2015 23:20

On way now, thanks for replies

OP posts:
NeedANewDirection · 11/04/2015 23:21

Yes go to A&E then. 4 days is so tiny.
Hope you get seen quickly

thetroubleis · 11/04/2015 23:23

Good luck Pantone, hope all goes well.

Ilovenannyplum · 11/04/2015 23:26

We took DS to OOH when he was 10 days old, they wouldn't treat him, said he was too young and we should have gone straight to A&E
So being as your little one is only 4 days, I would definitely go to A&E. Hope she is ok OP

Original poster
Pantone363 · 12/04/2015 00:47

At A&E now waiting to see a childrens doctor. Not too busy, mostly drunk teenagers so hopefully not too long.

Again thanks for replies xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Pantone363 · 12/04/2015 03:45

Quick update. Doctor came and comfirmed infection, also concerned about jaundice (I thought she was slightly yellow earlier). Admitted to children's ward for IV antibs.

it all went a bit downhill from here, two heel pricks came back "error" from the machine so they couldn't get a bilirubin level. Doc then tried taking the blood from her hand which was a disaster. Ten minutes of poking and prodding and still no blood (needle was sliding? against the vein she said). Eventually got some blood from one hand but when they flushed it it popped the vein and they had to take it out. Tried again with the other hand and the same thing happened. DD was hysterical by this point. Baring in mind I'm 4 days post natal I was just about holding it together, milk poring out of engorged boobs Hmm when DP decided he couldn't handle it anymore and left the room.

Doc then decided to try the crook of her arm and I said I wanted to wait for ten minutes so she could calm down and have a feed. Then the bilirubin levels came back fine (under the level to need treatment) so doc decided to do a swab and give oral AB until blood results came back and then change to IV if needed.

So now admitted and waiting for blood results to see if we can carry on with oral or if she needs IV.

Honestly can't say how much I love MN at the moment, I probably would've left it until tomorrow if you all hadn't said go, so honesty truly thanks you from the Pantone Family xx

OP posts:
giraffesCantBunnyHop · 12/04/2015 04:25

Glad you are getting help. :)