The umbilical cord (Funiculus umbilicalis) is a flexible, rope-like structure that connects the developing fetus to the placenta. It is an essential component of the fetoplacental circulation because it provides the pathway for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and metabolic waste products between the fetus and placenta. The umbilical cord develops during early pregnancy and remains attached to the fetal surface of the placenta until birth. In maternal health nursing, knowledge of its anatomy, functions, development, abnormalities, and care is important for assessing fetal well-being and preventing complications during pregnancy, labour, and after birth. The umbilical cord usually develops from the connecting stalk and extraembryonic structures during the early embryonic period. As the embryo grows and the amnion expands, the connecting stalk becomes incorporated into the developing cord. The cord normally contains three blood vessels: two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. These vessels are surrounded by a gelatinous connective tissue called Wharton's jelly and are covered externally by amnion. Wharton's jelly protects the vessels from compression and helps maintain blood flow even when the cord bends or twists. At term, the umbilical cord is generally about 50–60 cm long, although considerable variation may occur. Its average diameter is approximately 1–2 cm. The cord is usually coiled or twisted, giving it a characteristic spiral appearance. The number and direction of coils can vary between individuals. The fetal end is attached to the fetal abdomen, normally near the centre, while the other end is attached to the placenta. The fetal attachment usually forms the umbilicus after birth. The umbilical arteries arise from the fetal internal iliac arteries. They carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus toward the placenta. This blood contains carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products that need to be removed through placental exchange. The single umbilical vein carries oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus. Therefore, the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood, whereas the two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood. This arrangement is opposite to the usual pattern of arteries and veins in the systemic circulation. The blood flowing through the umbilical vein enters the fetal circulation and is directed partly through the liver and partly through the ductus venosus. Through the ductus venosus, a significant proportion of oxygenated blood reaches the inferior vena cava. The blood then enters the right atrium and is distributed through the fetal circulation. The oxygen and nutrients obtained from the placenta support fetal growth and development. Carbon dioxide and other waste products return from the fetus through the umbilical arteries to the placenta, where they pass into the maternal circulation for elimination through the mother's lungs and kidneys. The major function of the