Baby's Umbilical Cord: Let's learn everything about this amazing connection between mother and baby.

Are you a mother-to-be? Or have you just welcomed a little one into your arms? Then you probably have a lot of questions about that wonderful connection between you and your baby that has been going on for months, the umbilical cord. You may also be a little worried about how to take care of this small part of the umbilical cord after the baby is born. Don't worry, we'll talk about all this in a very simple way today, in a way that you can understand.

What exactly is the Umbilical Cord?

Simply put, the umbilical cord is the lifeline that connects you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. This flexible tube-like structure is where your baby gets all the oxygen and nutrients it needs. It also carries waste products from your baby's body back to your body and removes them.

This umbilical cord, along with the placenta, together do everything necessary for the baby's development. The placenta is a temporary organ that acts like the baby's lungs, heart, and stomach. The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta.

After the baby is born, he can breathe and drink milk on his own, so he doesn't need this umbilical cord. So a doctor or nurse cuts the umbilical cord. Then a small part remains on the baby's stomach. We call this the "umbilical cord stump". This remaining part dries out and falls off on its own within a few weeks. Only then is the baby's beautiful belly button (umbilical cord) left.

What does the umbilical cord look like and what is its structure?

The umbilical cord usually looks like a tightly coiled, thick cord. These coils strengthen the cord and prevent it from getting crushed as the baby moves around in the womb. There is a white, jelly-like tissue surrounding the umbilical cord. This is called ``Wharton's jelly'' in medical terms. This provides good protection for the umbilical cord.

By the end of pregnancy, the average umbilical cord is between 50 and 60 centimeters (20-24 inches) long and only 1 to 2 centimeters thick.

What is inside the umbilical cord?

There are three main blood vessels in a normal umbilical cord. Let's clearly understand their function.

What are the possible complications of the umbilical cord?

Most of the time, there are no problems with the umbilical cord. However, very rarely, some problematic conditions can occur. This can cause blood flow to the baby to be obstructed. This can affect the baby's development. Don't worry, your doctor will always be on the lookout for these things during your ultrasound scans.

• Abnormal coiling: The umbilical cord may be excessively coiled (hypercoiled) or undercoiled (hypocoiled).
• Marginal/Velamentous cord insertion: Normally, the umbilical cord should be attached to the middle of the placenta. Sometimes, it can be attached to the edge or to the membranes outside the placenta.
• Nuchal cord: This is something that many mothers fear. But most of the time, it is wrapped loosely. Therefore, it does not harm the baby. However, if it is wrapped tightly, it can sometimes cause problems.
• Single umbilical artery: Although there should normally be two arteries, sometimes only one artery can be present.
• True knot: As the baby moves around in the womb, a true knot can form in the umbilical cord. If this knot becomes tight, it can obstruct blood flow.
• Umbilical cord prolapse: This is a medical emergency. This is when the umbilical cord comes down through the cervix before the baby is born. In this case, an urgent C-section will be required.
• Vasa previa: This is also a very rare emergency. In this case, unprotected blood vessels in the umbilical cord pass through the cervix. These can rupture during childbirth and cause heavy bleeding.

What happens to the umbilical cord when the baby is born?

After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is no longer needed because it can breathe on its own. So a doctor or nurse cuts the umbilical cord and separates the baby from the placenta.

Does it hurt the baby when the umbilical cord is cut?

Not at all. The umbilical cord has no nerves. That means it has no sensation. Therefore, the baby does not feel any pain when the umbilical cord is cut. Also, the baby does not feel any discomfort when the remaining part dries out and falls off.

How to care for the baby's umbilical cord stump?

This is the biggest problem for new parents. It's very simple. The most important thing is to keep this area clean and dry . This will help prevent infection (omphalitis).

Here are some simple steps you can follow:

• Sponge washing: Do not put your baby in a tub of water until the umbilical cord is still attached. Instead, wipe the baby's body with a soapy cloth or sponge. Then, be careful not to get water on the umbilical cord.
• Allow to air dry thoroughly: After bathing or if the umbilical cord gets wet, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth and allow it to air dry.
• Fold the diaper down: When putting the diaper on your baby, fold the front of the diaper under the umbilical cord, towards the stomach. This will prevent the baby's urine and feces from getting on the umbilical cord. Some diapers for newborns now have a separate cutout for the umbilical cord.
• Clean up spills: If you accidentally spill urine or feces, gently wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
• Let it fall off on its own: Never pull or try to remove the remaining part of the umbilical cord by hand. Do not pull on it, even if it seems to be hanging by a thread. It should fall off on its own. Pulling on it can cause unnecessary bleeding and harm to the baby.
• Watch for signs of infection: If there are signs like redness, swelling, bad-smelling pus or fluid, or bleeding, it could be an infection.

Is it okay to use alcohol to clean the umbilical cord?

Not good at all.In the past, some people used rubbing alcohol to clean the umbilical cord. But new research has found that using alcohol can kill the good bacteria that help the cord dry out and fall off, delaying that process. So, it's best to wipe it with a clean cloth dampened with water and let it dry.

When does the rest of the umbilical cord fall off?

This usually dries out and falls off on its own within one to three weeks after the baby is born. It is initially yellow-green in color, but as it dries, it turns brown and black before falling off. If it has not fallen off after three weeks, tell your doctor about it. It could be a sign of a medical condition.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your baby's umbilical cord stump or in their behavior, see a pediatrician immediately.

What if the umbilical cord is yellow underneath after it comes off?

Sometimes, after the umbilical cord has fallen off, a small, pink, moist lump may appear inside the vagina. This is called an umbilical granuloma. It may also ooze a small, yellow fluid. This is not dangerous and will usually go away on its own in about a week. However, if it persists after a week, see your doctor. A simple treatment can be given.

The umbilical cord is a symbol of the life that connected you and your baby during pregnancy. Cutting it off after your baby is born may be a little painful. But every time you see the beautiful, little bundle of joy that grows in its place, it will always remind you of the wonderful, special bond that existed between the two of you.