The umbilical cord connects the baby to the mother's placenta.
During fetal development in the womb, the umbilical cord is the
lifeline to the baby supplying nutrients. After birth, the cord is
clamped and cut. Eventually between 1-3 weeks the cord will become
dry and will naturally fall off. During the time the cord is
healing it should be kept as clean and as dry as possible.
Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
