Neonatal Umbilical Cord Hematoma at the Fetal Insertion With Benign Clinical Course: A Case Report

Umbilical cord hematoma is a rare but potentially severe condition associated with fetal distress and perinatal morbidity, and most cases are diagnosed retrospectively at birth. Early recognition is important due to the risk of fetal hypoxia. We report the case of a full-term female newborn (39 weeks of gestation, birth weight: 3,400 g) born vaginally without complications. The pregnancy was poorly monitored, but without known maternal risk factors. The APGAR score was 9 at the first minute. Immediate clinical examination revealed a 5 × 1.5 cm hematoma located at the fetal insertion of the umbilical cord, with marked dark red to black discoloration. The newborn showed no respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, or signs of acute blood loss. Hemoglobin and bilirubin levels were within normal limits. Clinical monitoring remained uneventful, and the appearance of the cord improved significantly within 48 hours. This case illustrates a rare but often benign presentation of umbilical cord hematoma when fetal circulation is not compromised. Early postnatal evaluation and close monitoring are essential to exclude complications and ensure a favorable outcome.