What Is the Structure and Function of the Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord is a tube-like structure that acts as connectivity for the mother and baby. This cord helps to transport food, oxygen, and nutrients from the mother to the baby, which leads to the growth of the fetus. The other names of the umbilical cord are navel string or birth cord, or funiculus umbilicalis. It also helps to carry out the waste materials from the baby to the mom's home. From there, the mother can get rid of these waste materials. Usually, the nutrients can be transported to the baby using this tube from the placenta of the mom.
Usually, the umbilical cord contains one vein and two arteries. All three perform specific functions. The vein of the umbilical cord helps to transport oxygen and nutrients from the mom to the baby. On the other hand, the arteries help collect the waste material from the baby and get rid of them through the kidneys of the mother. Both arteries and the vein were protected by a gelatin-like substance called Wharton's jelly.
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Umbilical Cord After Birth
After delivery, when the mother gives birth to a baby, the newborn umbilical cord then comes off in between 10 to 14 days. In some cases, the umbilical cord falling off will happen around 21 days as maximum. If not, One needs to consult a doctor immediately. Doctors clamp and cut the umbilical cord from the baby after delivery. As the umbilical cord doesn't have any nerves, it may not give any feeling to both mother and baby. A half-size umbilical stump is left over from the baby's navel. It may fall off automatically.
Appearance
The umbilical cord stump will have a shiny structure with a pale yellow colour in the early stage. After a few days, the colour may turn into different colours like brown, grey or purple-blue, or even black when the umbilical cord is falling off. The colour may change due to the dryness of the cord.
How to Take Care of the Umbilical Cord Stump?
Till the umbilical cord falls off, one should maintain proper umbilical cord care. Let's have a glance at field tips that help to take care of umbilical cord stumps.
One should be gentle with the baby and the umbilical cord because the cord is very sensitive.
Should not put hands on the umbilical cord stump and never try to pull it out because it is a natural process.
It is always advisable to give sponge baths instead of putting the baby in a tub or a basin or any other showers.
Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry.
One should take care while wrapping diapers also.
These are some of the tips that help to take umbilical cord care to avoid unnecessary umbilical cord issues.
Symptoms of Infected Umbilical Cord
One should be cautious and observe the umbilical cord to avoid adverse effects. Here are a few general symptoms which help to identify the infected umbilical cord.
Swelling or rashes around the area of the umbilical cord.
Bleeding at the tip of the umbilical cord.
White or yellow discharge which looks like pus coming from the umbilical cord.
Any irritation or pain felt by the baby when you touch the umbilical cord.
Generally, in the case of premature babies, few babies suffer from the infected umbilical cord.
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These are the few symptoms observed. When the umbilical cord falls off, a few drops of blood may come out. It is a natural thing, and no need to worry about this. If the umbilical cord blood is too much, then immediately call a doctor and take the advice.
Abnormalities of Umbilical Cord
During the growth of a baby, the umbilical cord may face several abnormalities. Few are very common and have alternatives. But few abnormalities are very severe and need different kinds of treatments. For example, the umbilical cord around the neck is a common cause and can be heard from many mothers. It is also an abnormality of the umbilical cord. It is known as Nuchal Cord. Some of those abnormalities are -
Vasa Previa
Nuchal Cord
Umbilical Cord Knots
Short Umbilical Cord
Umbilical Cord Cysts
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
Single Umbilical Artery
Conclusion
Thus, the umbilical cord is a tough and sensitive tube-like structure that connects the baby to its mom. It is so sensitive and significant. It might be clear how to take care of the umbilical cord stump and the abnormalities and infections that occur to the cord. So, everyone should take proper care and diet and have a happy pregnancy and motherhood by following the suggestions of the doctor.
FAQs on Umbilical Cord in Human Fetal Development
1. What is the umbilical cord?
The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta and enables the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. It forms during early embryonic development and acts as the fetus’s lifeline in the uterus. The umbilical cord typically contains:
- Two umbilical arteries that carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta
- One umbilical vein that carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the fetus
- Wharton’s jelly, a protective gelatinous substance that cushions the blood vessels
It is essential for fetal growth and survival during pregnancy.
2. What is the function of the umbilical cord?
The main function of the umbilical cord is to transport oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus and remove waste products from the fetus. Its key roles include:
- Delivering oxygen and glucose to support fetal metabolism
- Carrying carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes back to the placenta
- Maintaining fetal blood circulation between the fetus and placenta
This exchange supports fetal development until birth.
3. How many blood vessels are present in the umbilical cord?
A normal umbilical cord contains three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein. Specifically:
- Two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
- One umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.
This three-vessel structure is typical in human fetal circulation.
4. What is Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord?
Wharton’s jelly is a gelatinous connective tissue in the umbilical cord that protects and cushions the blood vessels. It:
- Prevents compression of the umbilical arteries and vein
- Provides structural support and flexibility
- Maintains continuous blood flow between fetus and placenta
This specialized tissue ensures the cord remains functional even when bent or twisted.
5. How does blood flow through the umbilical cord?
Blood flows through the umbilical cord in a specific fetal circulation pattern involving two arteries and one vein. The process is:
- Step 1: Deoxygenated blood leaves the fetus through the two umbilical arteries.
- Step 2: Blood reaches the placenta, where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.
- Step 3: Oxygenated blood returns to the fetus via the umbilical vein.
This circulation supports fetal respiration and nutrition before birth.
6. When does the umbilical cord form during pregnancy?
The umbilical cord begins to form during the early weeks of embryonic development, around the 5th week of pregnancy. It develops from the:
- Connecting stalk of the embryo
- Parts of the yolk sac
- Developing allantois
By the end of the first trimester, it is fully formed and functioning as the fetal lifeline.
7. What happens to the umbilical cord after birth?
After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, stopping blood flow between the baby and placenta. The remaining stump:
- Dries and shrivels over several days
- Falls off naturally within 1–2 weeks
- Leaves a scar known as the navel (umbilicus)
The placenta is also expelled from the mother’s body shortly after delivery.
8. What is the difference between the umbilical cord and the placenta?
The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta, while the placenta is the organ where nutrient and gas exchange occurs. Key differences include:
- The placenta is attached to the uterine wall; the cord connects fetus to placenta.
- The placenta performs exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes.
- The umbilical cord acts as a transport pathway between fetus and placenta.
Both structures work together to support fetal development.
9. Can a baby survive without an umbilical cord?
A fetus cannot survive in the uterus without a functioning umbilical cord because it relies on it for oxygen and nutrients. Before birth:
- The fetus does not use its lungs for breathing.
- All oxygen and nutrients come through the placental circulation.
- Waste removal depends on blood flow through the cord.
After birth, the baby becomes independent of the umbilical cord.
10. What is a single umbilical artery?
Single umbilical artery (SUA) is a condition in which the umbilical cord has only one artery instead of the usual two. Normally, the cord contains:
- Two umbilical arteries
- One umbilical vein
In SUA, one artery is absent, which may be associated with certain congenital anomalies, although many babies with SUA are born healthy.
