The umbilical cord is a truly remarkable and unique component of childbirth, with its own individual characteristics that vary from baby to baby. It comes in different lengths, sizes, colors, and thicknesses, and some cords even have fascinating curls while others remain straight.
Its main purpose is to facilitate the exchange of vital substances between the baby and the placenta. This includes delivering oxygen to the baby, providing necessary nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide-rich blood from the baby and transporting it to the placenta.
While most cords contain two arteries and one vein, it’s important to note that not all umbilical cords are identical. In fact, we have compiled a collection of photographs below that showcase the incredible diversity of these cords.
This fascinating link between the baby and the placenta plays a crucial role in nurturing and supporting the growth of our infants. We are truly in awe of this connection and find it to be a thing of beauty.
The images featured here have been carefully selected from our Birth Becomes You Facebook community, which consists of talented birth photographers. Every week, we have a theme, and this week, we are exploring the theme of #cord. Sit back, relax, and enjoy these breathtaking images.
Picture taken by Carmen Bridgewater, a professional photographer specializing in serving clients in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas.
Image courtesy of Nicole Streeter,
Picture taken by Stephanie Counts in South Atlanta, Georgia.
Capture by Michelle Dunn, catering to Auborn, Indiana and its neighboring regions.
Image taken by Lindsey Eden, a photographer based in Denver, Colorado.
Image taken by Hannah Lehrsch, providing photography services in the Coeur d’ Alene and Spokane areas.
Image by Rowan Steiner from Salt Lake City, Utah
Photograph taken by Timothy Clopp in the mesmerizing landscapes of Arcanum, Ohio and its neighboring regions.
Image courtesy of Gather Birth Cooperative, catering to the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas in Minnesota.
Photograph captured by Jessica Vink from the mesmerizing Netherlands.
Image captured by Jessica Vink from the scenic Netherlands.
Image by Jaleesa Koelen
Image courtesy of Jacinta Lagos, providing excellent service to the Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois regions.
Capture moments around Jacksonville, FL and its neighboring regions through the lens of Amanda Smith, a talented photographer.
Picture taken by Annica Quackenbush in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Photograph captured by Monet Nicole, Catering to Denver, Colorado.
Picture taken by Jennifer Mason, providing photography services in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan.
Images captured by Brittney Hogue, hailing from Peoria, Illinois
Image courtesy of Morgan Johnson
Pictures taken by Danny Merz Mench, dedicated to capturing the essence of Hamburg, Germany.
Original: Photos by Danny Merz Mench, Serving Hamburg Germany
Paraphrased: Captured through the lens of Danny Merz Mench, Photographing the Vibes of Hamburg, Germany.
Image captured by Danielle Wilstead, providing services in Salt Lake City, Utah.