The umbilical cord is the ropelike structure that connects an unborn child (fetus) to the placenta in the mother's uterus. Blood vessels in the cord bring nourishment to the fetus and take away waste products.
The umbilical cord is formed in the fifth week of pregnancy.
When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is about 2 ft (0.61 m) long.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
