Umbilical cord where is it attached to mother

Enroll Get Info Pack. Understanding The Umbilical Cord May 15, Here we look at the physiology and function of the umbilical cord. Umbilical Cord Physiology At full term, an umbilical cord is about half a meter long, a length that allows the baby to move around safely. At birth, the umbilical cord is cut and the leftover bit becomes the belly button. After birth, the placenta detaches from the uterus and is expelled. Cord Blood After the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, there is blood leftover in the umbilical cord and placenta.

It is an organ attached to the lining of the womb that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby. The placenta is a large organ that develops during pregnancy. It is attached to the wall of the uterus, usually at the top or side. The umbilical cord connects the placenta to your baby. Blood from the mother passes through the placenta, filtering oxygen, glucose and other nutrients to your baby via the umbilical cord. The placenta produces a number of hormones that are needed during pregnancy, such as lactogen, oestrogen and progesterone.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, the placenta passes on antibodies to protect the baby after birth. Alcohol , nicotine and other drugs and medicines can cross the placenta and damage your baby.

The placenta often develops low in the womb but moves to the side or up as the womb stretches. The position of the placenta will be checked at your week ultrasound. The placenta is expelled from your body after the birth, usually about 5 to 30 minutes after your baby is born. This is called the third stage of labour. After the baby is born you will continue to have mild contractions. You will have to give one more push to deliver the placenta. Sometimes your abdomen will be massaged or you will be given an injection of oxytocin and the umbilical cord will be gently pulled to help deliver the placenta.

If you have a caesarean section , the doctor will remove the placenta at the same time. It is important that the whole placenta comes out after pregnancy.

If any fragments of the placenta stay inside, they will have to be surgically removed to prevent bleeding and infection. It is important to visit your healthcare provider regularly during pregnancy to check for any problems with your placenta. Tell your doctor if you have had problems with the placenta in a previous pregnancy, or if you have had any surgery to your womb.

Always consult your doctor before you take any medicines, including over-the-counter medicines , natural therapies and supplements , while you are pregnant.

There is also a rare practice, known as placentophagy, in which women cook and eat the placenta. Some commercial service providers will offer to turn your placenta into capsules for you to swallow.

However, these practices should be treated with caution since there is no regulation in Australia either of these products or the providers of placenta pills. Recent research shows there are no known health benefits from eating the placenta, but there may be a risk of infection from poor production standards. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

A retained placenta is when part or all of the placenta is not delivered after the baby is born. It can lead to serious infection or blood loss. Read more on Better Health Channel website. It is still attached to the placenta, which is commonly called "the afterbirth.

Yes, a new cord develops for each child. James R. Weber of Jacksonville, Ark. His challenge "to make time for yourself and your family" fell on receptive ears, as did a challenge to physicians to find a personal physician for themselves and their families. But the one statement that drew the most applause was, "I want to challenge all of you to maintain a good sense of humor. Write to Dr. Bruckheim in care of the Chicago Tribune, Room , N.