Whartons Jelly!

Whartons Jelly!

Thanks to @midwife360 for this image.

Whartons jelly is a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord that protects the vessels within it, and helps to clamp these vessels when exposed to cold air after the birth.

Sometimes babies are born with cords that have excess whartons jelly. Some are associated with cysts within the cord. If detected on ultrasound, further tests may be offered to rule out abnormalities with the baby. Many babies however simply have big cords and are just fine.

• • • • • • @midwife360 writes:

Check out the umbilical cord on this one! This was mom’s first baby, born at home in the water after only 10 hours of labor. She was surrounded by her partner, grandmother and birth team. In West Palm Beach with love and gentleness with respectful maternity care as the team at Midwife360 believes in for all women.

When baby was coming out, a loop of cord slipped out after her head was born, before her body, and the midwife thought it was her arm😆 coming out!!! #midwife360