One of the most treasured aspects of childbirth is the umbilical cord, a unique and diverse connection mirroring the individuality of the babies it nourishes. With variations in length, size, color, and thickness, some cords boast fascinating curls, while others maintain a straight appearance.
The umbilical cord serves three crucial functions: facilitating the exchange of oxygen between the baby and placenta, delivering essential nutrients to the baby, and removing carbon dioxide-rich blood from the baby, transporting it to the placenta.
While most cords consist of two arteries and one vein, they can differ significantly. The photos below showcase the incredible diversity of normal umbilical cords. This extraordinary connection between the baby and the placenta plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting infant growth, and we find it truly exquisite!
These images have been selected from our Birth Becomes You Facebook community for birth photographers. Each week, photographers share images aligned with a specific theme, and this week’s theme is #cord. Enjoy the captivating variety!
Photo by Carmen Bridgewater, serving Dallas/foгt Worth, TX
Photo by Nicole Streeter,
Photo by Stephanie Counts, South Atlanta, GA
Photo by Michelle Dunn, Serving Auborn, IN and the surrounding areas.
Photo by Lindsey Eden, Serving Denver, CO
Photo by Hannah Lehrsch, Serving Coeur d’ Alene and Spokane
Photo by Rowan Steiner, Salt Lake City UT
Photo by Timothy Clopp, Arcanum, Ohio and surrounding areas.
Photo by Gather Birth Cooperative, serving Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
Photo by Jessica Vink, Netherlands.
Photo by Jessica Vink, Netherlands.
Photo by Jaleesa Koelen
Photo by Jacinta Lagos, Serving Southeast WI – Northern IL
Photo by Amanda Smith, Serving Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding areas.
Photo by Annica Quackenbush, Grand Rapids, MI
Photo by Monet Nicole, Serving Denver, CO
Photo by Jennifer Mason, Serving Ann Arbor and Detroit Michigan
Photos by Brittney Hogue, Peoria IL
Photo by Morgan Johnson
Photos by Danny Merz Mench, Serving Hamburg Germany
Photos by Danny Merz Mench, Serving Hamburg Germany
Photo by Danielle Wilstead, Serving Salt Lake City, UT
