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The umbilical cord is the ropey structure that connects the fetus to the placenta in the mother's uterus. Blood vessels in the cord bring nourishment to the fetus and take away waste products.
The umbilical cord is formed in the fifth week of pregnancy.
When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is about 0.6 m (2 ft) long.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & Thomas M. Bailey MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
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