For the nine long months your baby grows within your womb, the umbilical cord functions as the life-line for him, carrying oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to his body. What happens to the umbilical cord after birth At birth, the cord remains attached to the baby and the placenta, before being cut by the doctor. [1, 2] Once it is cut and clamped on the … [Read more...] about Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Stump
Anatomy
Incompetent Cervix (Cervical Incompetence)
What is cervical incompetence or incompetent cervix As your pregnancy advances, the baby grows and puts pressure on the cervix. In normal cases, the cervix remains closed till the last weeks of the third trimester when it starts softening and opening in preparation for childbirth [1]. However, in some women, the increasing pressure from the growing fetus … [Read more...] about Incompetent Cervix (Cervical Incompetence)
Amniotic Sac
What is the amniotic sac Amniotic sac, or the bag of water, is the membrane around the amniotic cavity, containing the colorless or straw-colored fluid (amniotic fluid) that surrounds and supports the developing baby within the uterus [1]. It is pushed out of the body along with the placenta and umbilical cord after delivering the baby. Amniotic sac … [Read more...] about Amniotic Sac
Anterior Placenta
What is an anterior placenta? The Placenta is the flattish, disk-like organ responsible for delivering to your baby oxygen and all the essential nutrients necessary for his proper growth during the nine months he is inside your womb. It usually grows at the same spot where the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus, which is usually the posterior uterine wall, the part … [Read more...] about Anterior Placenta
Amniotic Fluid
What is Amniotic Fluid? Amniotic fluid (liquor amnii) is the clear or slightly yellowish liquid surrounding the fetus in the uterus. [1] The amniotic sac of a pregnant woman contains the amniotic fluid which plays a vital role in the proper development of the baby. [2] Amniotic Fluid Composition It mainly contains water, fetal wastes (mainly … [Read more...] about Amniotic Fluid