What is the normal length and diameter of the umbilical cord?

The normal umbilical cord length ranges from 30 to 100 cm, providing adequate length for the fetus to move, allowing for optimal blood flow and nutrient exchange between the placenta and the fetus. The diameter of the umbilical cord typically falls between 1.5 to 2 cm, which is sufficient for accommodating the two arteries and one vein that are essential for fetal circulation.

This range is consistent with established clinical guidelines regarding umbilical cord dimensions typically found in neonatal health literature. These measurements are significant as they can affect perinatal outcomes; for instance, a cord that is too short may lead to complications such as cord prolapse during labor, while an excessively long cord could be associated with increased risk of cord accidents or entanglement.

In considering the other options, they either provide measurements that fall outside the normal range or do not align with clinical findings pertaining to umbilical cord characteristics.