Home / Glossary Umbilical cord By Motherly Editors April 3, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Umbilical cordFrequently Asked Questions about the Umbilical CordWhat is the function of the umbilical cord?How long is the average umbilical cord?What happens to the umbilical cord after birth?Is there any risk associated with umbilical cord?What is umbilical cord banking? Should I consider it?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Umbilical cordFrequently Asked Questions about the Umbilical CordWhat is the function of the umbilical cord?How long is the average umbilical cord?What happens to the umbilical cord after birth?Is there any risk associated with umbilical cord?What is umbilical cord banking? Should I consider it?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition The umbilical cord is a tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the mother’s placenta during pregnancy. This cord facilitates the transfer of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the mother to the baby and deoxygenated, nutrient-depleted blood from the baby back to the mother. It also disposes of the baby’s waste products. Key Takeaways The umbilical cord is a vital part of pregnancy, establishing the life-sustaining connection between the mother and the fetus. It delivers oxygen and essential nutrients from the mother to the fetus and removes waste products from the fetus. It typically measures about 50-60 centimeters long and contains two arteries and one vein, surrounded by a gelatinous substance called Wharton’s jelly, which protects these blood vessels. After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut in a painless procedure, leaving behind the umbilical stump on the baby which dries and fell off within 1-2 weeks, forming the belly button. Importance The term “umbilical cord” is vitally significant in motherhood as it serves as the lifeline between the mother and her unborn baby during pregnancy. This cord attaches the fetus to the mother’s placenta, allowing essential nutrients, oxygen, and blood to flow from the mother to the baby. It also assists in eliminating the baby’s waste. Essentially, the umbilical cord plays an indispensable role in a baby’s growth and development in the womb. Its importance extends beyond birth as well; the blood left in the umbilical cord can be collected post-delivery because it’s rich in stem cells, which may be used to treat certain diseases and conditions. Explanation The umbilical cord is a vital component in the development and survival of the fetus during pregnancy. It is a tube-like structure that connects the fetus to the mother’s uterus, essentially serving as a lifeline that supplies the fetus with everything it needs to grow and thrive. It transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, providing nourishment and supporting the baby’s development. The cords are typically about 50-60 centimeters long, helping the fetus move freely within the amniotic sac while still receiving the necessary nutrients from the mother. In addition to delivering oxygen and nutrients, the umbilical cord also has a vital role in removing waste products from the fetus. Specifically, the cord carries deoxygenated blood and waste back to the placenta, which then transfers it to the mother’s bloodstream for removal. This biological system allows the fetus to focus its energies on growth and development, while the mother’s body takes care of waste disposal. Furthermore, when the baby is born, the umbilical cord transfers blood filled with immune cells and antibodies from the placenta, providing the newborn with a robust immunity boost. Examples of Umbilical cord Maternal Health: The umbilical cord is a critical aspect of maternal health during pregnancy. It forms a life-sustaining connection between the mother and the fetus, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: The umbilical cord is no longer just a lifeline during pregnancy; its blood, rich in stem cells, can also be preserved for future medical use. Parents can choose to bank stem cells from their newborn’s umbilical cord as an option for treating various diseases, including leukemia, anemia and certain immune disorders. Umbilical Cord Clamping: After birth, it is normal practice for the umbilical cord to be clamped and cut. This procedure can be done immediately after birth or delayed to allow for more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby. The timing of this procedure can impact the baby’s iron levels and overall health. Frequently Asked Questions about the Umbilical Cord What is the function of the umbilical cord? The umbilical cord is a vital connection between your developing baby and the placenta. It carries oxygen and nutrients from your body to the baby’s, and it removes waste products from your baby’s blood. How long is the average umbilical cord? The average umbilical cord is around 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) long. However, the length can vary. What happens to the umbilical cord after birth? After the birth, the umbilical cord is usually cut and clamped, leaving a small stump at the baby’s abdomen. This stump generally falls off within 1 to 2 weeks after birth. Is there any risk associated with umbilical cord? Yes, there are a few complications that can be associated with the umbilical cord, such as umbilical cord prolapse, cord compression, and true knots. However, these are generally rare and monitored closely during labor and delivery. What is umbilical cord banking? Should I consider it? Umbilical cord banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from the umbilical cord immediately after birth. This blood contains stem cells that can be used in the treatment of certain diseases. Whether you should consider cord blood banking is a personal decision and depends on several factors, including family medical history and cost. Related Motherhood Terms Placenta Fetus Prenatal development Childbirth Midwifery Sources for More Information Mayo Clinic: A renowned medical institution offering comprehensive health information, including topics on pregnancy and newborn care like umbilical cord. WebMD: It’s an online portal that provides valuable health information, tools for managing health, and support to those who seek information including details about the umbilical cord. Healthy Children: This is the official American Academy of Pediatrics website for parents, offering extensive resources on children’s health and development, including information on care for the umbilical cord. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): A professional association for obstetricians and gynecologists, and their online offering includes a wealth of medically-reviewed information about pregnancy and birth, including subjects such as the umbilical cord. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Umbilical cordFrequently Asked Questions about the Umbilical CordWhat is the function of the umbilical cord?How long is the average umbilical cord?What happens to the umbilical cord after birth?Is there any risk associated with umbilical cord?What is umbilical cord banking? Should I consider it?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms C-Section February 26, 2024 Cervical mucus April 2, 2024 Midwife April 3, 2024 Vacuum extraction April 3, 2024 Bottle Feeding Equipment February 26, 2024