Umbilical Cord Care
- Umbilical Cord Care Overview
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Umbilical Cord Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
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Umbilical Cord Care Overview
The umbilical cord connects the developing fetus to the mother through the placenta from the sixth week of pregnancy until birth. As a lifeline, the cord supplies the developing fetus with oxygen, nutrition, and a means of waste elimination while in the womb. At birth, because the baby is able to breathe, eat, and void on its own, the umbilical cord becomes unnecessary, so it is clamped and cut shortly after delivery.
It is important to provide proper care for this remaining cord at the baby's navel until it heals and drops off—usually within 2 weeks after birth.
Next: When to Seek Medical Care »
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