Effectiveness of Medicated Cord Care and Dry Cord Care in Promoting the Healing of Cord of Neonates in Selected Hospital at Bangalore

Abstract

The umbilical cord connects the baby to its food and oxygen supply in the womb, and is clamped and cut at birth. The cord stump dries, shrivels and becomes black before falling off the baby's belly button, 5 to 15 days after birth. Without proper care, the baby may become infected through the stump. Usually the cord is kept clean and dry by loosely covering it with clean clothes. The umbilical cord infection and neonatal tetanus constitutes a major cause of neonatal morbidity in both developed and developing countries, even in supposedly aseptic nurseries for newborns. It is estimated that 4 million neonates die every year due to infections, of which, umbilical cord infections are an important precursor. The cord infections and neonatal tetanus are preventable and can be reduced by practicing clean delivery and clean cord care and avoiding harmful practices.

Keywords: Medicated cord care, dry cord care, cord healing, umbilical cord, harmful practices, hospital, neonates

Cite this Article
Dhamodaran KP. Effectiveness of Medicated Cord Care and Dry Cord Care in Promoting the Healing of Cord of Neonates in Selected Hospital at Bangalore. Research & Reviews: Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2017; 7(3): 1–5p