In this article:
What Exactly Is the Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord is a soft tube that connects your baby to the placenta, which is attached to your uterine wall. It begins to form around the fifth week of pregnancy and grows with your baby.This cord contains two arteries and one vein, which are surrounded by a protective layer of jelly-like substance called the Wharton's jelly. It does not allow the blood vessels to twist or get compressed.
The veins carry oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from you to your baby, and the two arteries carry waste products from your baby back to you. The waste products are then expelled from your body.
How Does Your Baby Get Oxygen Through the Cord?
You may find it astonishing that your baby does not breathe through their lungs in the womb, but you breathe for both of you.Oxygen enters your lungs with each inhale and reaches the placenta through your bloodstream. The oxygen gets passed on to your baby from the placenta through the umbilical cord. The vein present in the cord transfers this oxygen to your baby's bloodstream, allowing them to grow day by day.
At the same time, carbon dioxide and other waste gases from your baby reach your bloodstream through the arteries in the cord. You exhale them out of your body.
How Are Nutrients Transferred from You to Your Baby?
Whatever you eat and drink throughout the day helps your baby grow and develop. Nutrients, such as glucose, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, enter your bloodstream after you digest the food. These nutrients reach the placenta, where they pass into the umbilical cord for your baby.The placenta acts like a filter, providing only the nutrients beneficial to your baby in the correct quantity. The umbilical cord is a vital means of transferring nutrients to your baby for their organ development. This is also why many experts recommend a balanced diet during pregnancy.
What Happens If the Cord Doesn't Work Properly?
The cord works fine in most cases, but there can be instances when problems may occur.- Cord compression occurs when the cord is squeezed, reducing blood flow.
- Cord prolapse: When the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby during labour.
- Single umbilical artery (SUA): When there is just one artery.
These conditions affect the amount of nutrients or oxygen reaching your baby. Therefore, your baby's growth is closely monitored by your doctor in every prenatal checkup through ultrasound scans.
However, these problems can be easily resolved by your doctor if detected early. So, do not miss any prenatal visits.
How Can You Keep the Umbilical Cord Healthy?
You cannot see or touch the cord, but your lifestyle habits may affect its health.- Eat a nutrient-rich diet with a greater emphasis on iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein.
- Drink enough water to maintain good blood flow.
- Stop smoking and alcohol because they can damage the placenta and cord.
- Attend all your regular checkups to detect any issues early.
- Take your supplements to support your baby's development.
Does the Cord Do Anything After Birth?
The umbilical cord is usually clamped and cut right after the baby is born. It does not hurt your baby because the cord has no nerves. All that is left is a small stump on your baby, which also dries up and falls on its own after a few weeks.Some hospitals and parents may choose to delay clamping the cord, which means waiting 1–3 minutes before cutting it. The delay allows your baby to receive more blood (rich in iron and stem cells) to flow from the placenta.
What Should You Know About Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood banking has gained popularity in recent years because of several reasons. It means collecting and storing the blood left in the umbilical cord after birth, as it is rich in stem cells. These cells are extremely helpful in treating other medical conditions, such as leukaemia or anaemia, later in life.The cord can be stored in private banking, allowing it to be used by your family, or in public banking, where it is available for donation to others. You can discuss it with your doctor to help you decide what is best suited for your case.
The umbilical cord works hard during pregnancy to help your baby grow, but this effort remains hidden as it happens inside your body. It is a lifeline for your baby, allowing them to eat and breathe through this cord. You can support its health by attending all the prenatal checkups and following a healthy lifestyle.
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FAQs on How the Umbilical Cord Supplies Nutrients and Oxygen Every Day?
- Does the baby breathe through the umbilical cord?
The baby does not breathe, but receives oxygen through the umbilical cord from your bloodstream. The baby's lungs are filled with fluid and work only after the delivery. - Can eating certain foods improve umbilical cord function?
A balanced diet rich in iron, folic acid, and protein can benefit the most in maintaining healthy blood flow and cord function. - Is it safe to cut the cord immediately after birth?
Although it is safe to cut the cord after birth, many doctors recommend waiting for 1-3 minutes before cutting the cord. This delay helps your baby receive extra blood, oxygen, and nutrients from the placenta.