Introduction of Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord is the cord that runs from the developing embryo or fetus to the placenta. It extends from the baby’s belly to the fetal surface of the placenta.

• It usually contains two arteries (umbilical arteries) and one vein (umbilical vein) wrapped inside Wharton’s Jelly.

• The umbilical vein carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the fetus and the two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated, nutrient-poor blood away from it.

• Both arteries twist around the vein to give the umbilical cord a twisted appearance.• Wharton’s jelly prevents compression of blood vessels to ensure continuous nutrition of the fetus.

• In the mature stage, the length of the cord is 30 to 90 cm (average 55 cm)and the diameter is 2 cm.

Function of Umbilical Cord

:• As a life passage between placenta and fetus which supplies new oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste materials.

• The umbilical cord exchanges fluid and electrolytes between the umbilical vessels and amniotic fluid.

Abnormalities of Umbilical Cord

1. ‘Battle dore’ termination of the cord In this, the cord is attached to the edge of the placenta, forming a shape similar to a table tennis bat.

2. Velamentous termination of the cord- In this, the cord is attached to the foetal membranes, not the placenta. The naked vessels are not covered by Wharton’s jelly and are thus easily torn.

3. Nuchal cord- When the umbilical cord wraps around the neck of the foetus, it is called Nuchal cord.

4. Single umbilical cord – Sometimes only one artery is found in the umbilical cord.

5. Umbilical cord prolapse – This happens in that condition when the umbilical cord comes out first while the fetus comes out of the uterus.

6. Vasa praevia – This happens when the blood vessel from the umbilical cord or placenta crosses the cervix below the baby. This blood is not protected by Wharton’s jelly and it sometimes bursts due to the expansion of the cervix or rupture of membranes. This can kill the fetus.

Umbilical cord care (CORD CARE)

Inspection and care of the umbilical cord is required in two stages- (1) In the second stage of labour. -Xi) Until the umbilical cord stump attached to the navel dries and separates. After the baby is born in the second stage of labor, it needs to be cut-

• Observe the pulsation in the umbilical cord, its normal color and the number of vessels.

‘ • The mother should thread the umbilical cord to supply maximum amount of blood to the newborn’s body.

• Now apply Kocher’s forceps at two places. The first towards the navel, the second 5 to 6 cm away.

• Apply the first ligature 2.5 cm apart.

• Cut the cord in aseptic condition

. • Count the common components of the cut cord and see if there is any new change. take note. The umbilical cord stem should be taken care of daily

. • Look at the knot on the cord, it should not be a knot.

• If there is any discharge on the stem of the cord then its culture/sensitivity. Get tested. • Clean the spill with sprint and keep it dry.

• Leave the cord open in the air. It gradually separates from the baby’s body on its own. goes.

• Cord stump should not be pulled or pressed.