Is it healthy to often have watery discharge with a slight odor from inside the navel?

It is generally unhealthy if there is often fluid with a foul odor in the belly button.

Under normal circumstances, the navel should remain dry and clean. If sweat or moisture enters the navel and is not cleaned promptly, bacteria may grow and lead to infection, causing omphalitis and resulting in this symptom, which can be harmful to health. Without effective treatment, as the condition progresses, serious complications such as peritonitis or sepsis may develop, potentially even endangering life.

Additionally, if abnormal embryonic development results in the failure of the vitelline duct—the connection between the fetal primitive intestine and the yolk sac—to close completely, the navel may remain directly connected to the intestine, forming a patent vitelline duct (umbilical fistula), which can also cause this phenomenon and negatively affect health. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as intestinal prolapse or intestinal obstruction.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.