What Does the Umbilical Cord do?
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The umbilical cord serves as the vital link between the developing fetus and the placenta during pregnancy. It provides the fetus with nourishment, oxygen, and removes waste materials. The cord contains three blood vessels – two arteries that carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the fetus, and one vein that carries oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus. The umbilical cord also plays a role in regulating the temperature of the fetus and protecting it from infection. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut, and the remaining stump eventually falls off, leaving behind the belly button or umbilicus.
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