The umbilical cord is one of the most interesting and, quite frankly, astonishing aspects of pregnancy.
A miraculous lifeline from mother to child, the umbilical cord provides the fetus with nutrients and oxygen, enabling it to develop healthily throughout pregnancy.
It’s not just essential; it’s an amazing part of the process. While most people know the basics of what the cord does, there are many other details that are less commonly known.
The 10 facts about the umbilical cord covered in this article might surprise you.
After learning about the structure of the cord and how it affects the baby’s development, you may come to have an even greater appreciation for it and its role in a healthy birth.
10 Interesting Facts About the Umbilical Cord
1. The Umbilical Cord Begins to Form Early in Pregnancy
Perhaps one of the most interesting facts about the umbilical cord is how early in pregnancy it begins to form.
The umbilical cord doesn’t appear in the human body until later in pregnancy, but its life begins almost immediately after the conception of the fetus. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the baby is still developing within the small sac of amniotic fluid inside the uterus.
The umbilical cord starts forming shortly after the fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine lining. It connects the developing placenta with the baby in the womb, beginning by forming a link between the yolk sac and the embryo, before the blood vessels of the placenta take over.
By the time you are in your second trimester, the umbilical cord is fully formed and ready to deliver life-sustaining nutrients to the developing fetus.
Related: 10 Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist For Newborn
2. The Cord Contains Three Blood Vessels
The three blood vessels within the umbilical cord are vital for the proper functioning of the placenta and the baby’s development.
Two of the vessels are arteries that carry blood from the baby to the placenta, where it is processed and oxygenated with the mother’s blood.
A single vein in the umbilical cord carries the oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta back to the baby.
This closed-loop circulatory system ensures the baby receives both oxygen and nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids, until it is born and able to breathe on its own.
3. The Umbilical Cord Can Be Over a Meter Long
The length of an umbilical cord can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, but the average length is between 50 and 70 centimeters (roughly 1.5 to 2 feet).
However, in some cases, the umbilical cord can be significantly longer than the typical 1-meter length. Some cords can exceed 1 meter, which can be extremely beneficial.
A longer cord gives the baby more room to move around inside the womb, while a shorter cord can sometimes inhibit movement. In more severe cases, an exceptionally long umbilical cord can lead to umbilical cord prolapse or accidents during labor.
Related: Safe Sleeping Positions During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
4. The Umbilical Cord Can Twist and Coil
In addition to varying in length, the umbilical cord can also exhibit twisting and coiling behavior. This twisting can occur in the cord itself or even around the baby, which is completely normal.
In fact, most umbilical cords have some degree of twisting or coiling, sometimes with multiple coils in a single cord.
While this is usually not harmful to the baby, excessive twisting can restrict blood flow. For this reason, the umbilical cord is closely monitored during labor using ultrasound and other tests to ensure blood can flow unobstructed.
5. The Cord Is Surrounded by Wharton’s Jelly
The umbilical cord has an interesting feature that surrounds the blood vessels within it: Wharton’s jelly.
This jelly-like connective tissue cushions the blood vessels and prevents them from being crushed during pregnancy.
It also allows the cord to be flexible and ensures that the blood vessels remain open as the fetus moves around in the uterus.
Wharton’s jelly is made of mucopolysaccharides, which keep the blood vessels from collapsing even as the fetus moves and grows.
Related:How Much Water Should A Pregnant Woman Drink?
6. The Umbilical Cord Can Have Variations
Not every umbilical cord is exactly the same. While the majority of cords have the standard three blood vessels, variations can occur.
One such variation is a single umbilical artery (SUA), which occurs when the cord has only one artery instead of the usual two.
SUA occurs in about 1 in 100 births and is typically harmless, though it may result in low birth weight, growth restriction, or kidney problems in rare cases. However, many babies born with a single umbilical artery go on to have healthy lives and normal development.
Another variation is marginal cord insertion, where the cord is inserted into the side of the placenta instead of the center. This condition can affect the blood supply between the placenta and the baby, leading to complications such as preterm labor or fetal growth restriction.
7. The Umbilical Cord Is an Indicator of Baby’s Health
The state of the umbilical cord can often be an indicator of the baby’s health. For example, when the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, it’s called a nuchal cord.
This occurs in about 1 in 3 births. While not usually a problem, if the cord is wrapped too tightly or compressed during delivery, it can affect blood flow to the baby. For this reason, the baby’s heart rate is closely monitored during labor to detect any signs of distress.
Abnormal blood flow in the umbilical cord, such as complete or reduced circulation, can signal potential issues like placental insufficiency or fetal development problems. These issues are typically monitored with ultrasounds and non-stress tests to ensure the health of both the baby and the placenta.
Related: 15 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
8. The Umbilical Cord Is Cut After Birth
After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is no longer needed to sustain the baby’s life. Since the newborn can breathe and feed on its own, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut shortly after delivery.
This is typically done by the attending doctor or midwife. Though it may seem like a small detail, cutting the umbilical cord is a major event in the birth process.
It physically and symbolically severs the connection between mother and child, marking the first step of the baby’s independent life outside the womb.
9. The Umbilical Cord Can Be Donated
In recent years, cord blood banking has become a more common practice. Parents can choose to donate or store the blood from the umbilical cord, which is rich in stem cells.
These stem cells can be used in various medical treatments, such as treating cancers or blood and immune system disorders.
Cord blood donation is voluntary and can be done either for private use or for public donation to hospitals and research facilities.
The entire umbilical cord can also be donated for medical research or regenerative medicine. This practice is becoming increasingly common and provides a meaningful way to help others while contributing to medical advancements.
Related: 10 Types of Housework Pregnant Women Should Avoid
10. The Umbilical Cord Eventually Turns Into the Belly Button
Perhaps the most well-known fact about the umbilical cord is its connection to the belly button. After the cord is cut, the remaining stump eventually falls off, leaving behind the belly button.
This small, but significant mark symbolizes the physical connection between mother and child during pregnancy. The belly button is a permanent, albeit subtle, reminder of the umbilical cord’s vital role in sustaining life in the womb.
Final thought
The umbilical cord is truly one of the most important and fascinating aspects of pregnancy.
From providing essential nutrients to protecting the baby and even indicating fetal health, it plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
The 10 facts we’ve shared here may surprise you and give you a newfound appreciation for the umbilical cord and its remarkable function during pregnancy.
Save the pin for later
