Everything You Need to Know About the Umbilical Cord

With so many things to worry about during pregnancy, many expecting parents can overlook the umbilical cord. In fact, as an obstetrician, it’s not surprising to encounter patients who have little to no knowledge at all about this essential aspect of childbirth. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to go into it blind. Though it’s often a relatively small part of childcare, it’s still important for parents to understand the basics regarding their newborn’s umbilical cord. So, stick around as I cover everything you need to know before that due date approaches.

What is the Umbilical Cord?

As you’ve most likely seen in movies and TV shows, the umbilical cord is a tube-like structure that connects a newborn to its mum, via the placenta. It is usually soft to the touch and contains one artery and two veins. And, for protection, the cord is covered by a substance called Wharton’s jelly, a connective tissue that provides cushioning and structural support.

The umbilical cord has a simple yet crucial function: transporting nutrients and oxygen directly from the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy. Additionally, it will transfer its waste material into the mother’s kidneys.  

What Happens to the Umbilical Cord During Childbirth? 

Of course, most people — even those who aren’t expecting children — are familiar with the cutting of the umbilical cord during childbirth. Though obstetricians worldwide partake in this practice, you may still be unclear about why this is performed in the first place.

Don’t worry; the answer is simple. See, post-birth, the blood vessels in the baby’s umbilical cord automatically start to close off. Therefore, the child no longer has a steady blood flow between itself and the placenta, which results in the umbilical cord detaching. The leftover nub then becomes the belly button. 

Modern medical facilities will often speed up this process by simply clamping and cutting the cord immediately after childbirth. However, there is some evidence that shows delaying this process could produce health benefits for the child, which I’ll cover below. This is something we now do as part of routine care.

But first, let’s address some common questions I hear parents ask their obstetricians. 

• Is Cutting the Cord Painful?

  Not at all. Neither the child nor the mother will feel the cord being cut.

• Can Knots Occur?

  Yes. Because fetuses can move around freely in the womb, some babies are born with knots in the cord or with it wrapped around their bodies. Fortunately, this doesn’t usually impact its function in any way.

• Are All Cords the Same Length?

  Actually, they can vary. Typically, they are between 45 and 60 centimetres long.

• Will the Umbilical Cord Bleed?

  Yes, the cord will normally bleed upon being cut. Bleeding at the umbilical cord stump post-pregnancy is also generally not an issue. However, it’s worth paying attention to, as bleeding in the belly button area could signify an infection.

Potential Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping

Instead of having it performed immediately after childbirth, a delayed cord clamping (DCC) allows the obstetrician to wait extra time before cutting it — or simply wait for it to detach on its own. Many hospitals are now standardising this approach, which is just more proof that medical experts are still looking for ways to improve pregnancy outcomes.

So, what are the potential benefits?

• Anaemia Risk Reduction: Delaying the cord clamping allows more blood flow to reach the child, increasing their iron stores and reducing their risk of anaemia.

• C-section Friendly: Delayed cord clamping has no added risks, making it a suitable choice for caesarean childbirths.

• Circulation Boost: DCC also encourages better transitional circulation within the child, improving their post-birth health outlook.

Of course, a DCC is not always suitable for everyone. For instance, women with abnormal placentas, haemorrhage, and other complications may need to avoid the approach. Ultimately, it’s best to speak with an experienced obstetrician to determine the best option for you and your child.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now know more about the umbilical cord and its function and can use this information to enjoy a happy, healthy childbirth!