What is the purpose of the umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord serves a vital role during pregnancy by connecting the developing fetus to the placenta, which is attached to the mother’s uterus. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby, while also allowing waste products from the fetus to be transported back to the mother for elimination. This connection is crucial for the baby’s growth and development during gestation, making it essential for fetal health. The umbilical cord is made up of two arteries and one vein, which efficiently manage these important exchanges.

In contrast, supporting the baby’s weight during delivery pertains more to the mother’s anatomy and the mechanisms of childbirth rather than the function of the umbilical cord. Controlling the baby's temperature is primarily a matter handled by the newborn's own physiological processes and the environment, not by the umbilical cord. While preventing infections is important during pregnancy, that function is addressed through maternal health and the immune system, rather than through the umbilical cord itself.