The normal position of the umbilicus in Nigerian new-borns

Background: Congenital anomalies around the umbilicus are not uncommon. Surgical repair and reconstruction is often required in the neonatal period. Proper location of the neo-umbilicus after reconstruction is important. This study was designed to identify the normal location of the umbilicus in Nigerian newborns. Material and Methods: The distance between the suprasternal notch and the umbilicus (SU), between the suprasternal notch and the pubic symphysis (SP), between the xyphoid process and the umbilicus (XU) and between the Xyphoid process and the pubic symphysis (XP) were measured using a measuring tape and the XU/XP and SU/SP ratio calculated. Results: The mean XU/XP ratio was 0.66 ± 0.06 (range 0.43-0.83) while the mean SU/SP ratio is 0.79 ± 0.05. There was no significant difference in the XU/XP or SU/SP ratio between the two sexes. There was also no significant correlation between the birth weight, height, OFC, Gestational age with XU/XP ratio and SU/SP ratio in both sexes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the umbilicus is located in 66% of the distance between the xyphoid process and the pubic symphysis or 79% of the distance between the suprasternal notch and the pubic symphysis in Nigerian neonates.