Are you a soon-to-be mother, curious about the mystical tube that connects your baby to you? Look no further as we delve into the exciting and unusual world of umbilical cords!
What is an Umbilical Cord?
An umbilical cord is a flexible rope-like structure which connects a developing fetus to its mother's placenta. It serves as the "feeding tube" for the growing baby, providing nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood supply while simultaneously removing waste.
At around five weeks gestation, shortly after fertilization occurs,pouf - this life-sustaining link begins to form.
Anatomy of an Umbilical Cord
This bizarre appendage measures approximately 20 inches long at full term and typically has two arteries and one vein encased within jelly-like substance called Wharton’s jelly (not a dessert unfortunately). Can you believe it? Our babies have their very own flow system! Awesome, right?
The veins are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from momma dearest into her precious offspring whereas those pesky lil' arteries carry nutrient-depleted blood back out /toxs/.
Interestingly enough (and also quite frankly amazing), each person’s' unique fingerprints are determined within just 10 weeks of pregnancy! This includes their lifeline….sorry...their future finger food…rather…the cords identity. Cool eh?! .
What is Wharton’s Jelly Anyway?
Nope, it isn't throat lozenges’ newest flavor—it’s actually essential for our baby bears’ health.
Wharton's jelly contains proteins that help prevent damage caused by what would otherwise be unstable movement within its fragile membrane walls /BOOM/. Its existence helps protect against compression or injury during contractions due to childbirth! Talk about state-of-the-art tech solutions!!
The Importance of Taking Good Care
There is not much that you need to do specifically to look after your baby's cord, but a little TLC goes a long way!
It may seem counterintuitive especially with the amount of folk tales you have heard; it’s best to leave the stump moist as opposed to dry. Don’t worry if there seems to be some discharge, this usually clears up on its own.
Remember though—if any foul funk comes along w/it...it’s time for medical attention ASAP!!
Are There Any Risks?
As with most things in life and pregnancy tests, complications can arise from various symptoms or causes. Some common concerns associated with umbilical cords include strangulation from excessive fetal movement (dramatic!), stenosis (a narrowing or kinking which affects blood flow), torsion (entangling or twisting) — just like tangled earbuds — and true knot formations /loops around baby/.
True knots are caused when the fetus turns itself through any available passage such as those skinny pipes due inlets located within this tiny environment /wheeze/, resulting in loops being produced sometimes referred as “water bycicle” ... cute right? Not really …only because circulation could be compromised affecting babies development /gasps LOUDLY/.
Let us move on quickly…
When Should You Be Concerned?
Luckily—there is no reason for panic at all! Regular check-ups should help detect most problems early enough so options are open regarding treatment.
If stragnulation occurs during birth or other cause /sighs relief/, immediate action however must be taken by medical professionals - don't ignore symptoms such as poor fetal activity!
Conclusion
We hope we didn't scare you too much about whats going on inside your precious pouchphew. All jokes aside - isn't it wild that our bodies bring forth new life through something that resembles an alien creature appendage?
The umbilical cord plays a critical role in the development of our little ones, and although it's not something we usually think about, it’s fascinating to learn more about.
Now let’s get munching on some Wharton jelly…wait what...EWW SHIVERS DOWN SPINE !