For many expectant parents, the thought of cutting the umbilical cord can bring a moment of anxiety about potential pain for the newborn. The umbilical cord is the lifeline that connects a developing baby to the placenta, delivering necessary oxygen and nutrients throughout pregnancy. A common and immediate question upon delivery is whether the baby or the mother feels anything when this connection is finally severed. The simple, reassuring answer is that cutting the umbilical cord does not cause any pain to the baby or the person who gave birth.
The Biology of the Umbilical Cord and Pain Sensation
The scientific reason for the painless separation lies in the unique structure of the umbilical cord itself. Unlike skin or other tissues in the body, the cord is composed primarily of three blood vessels—two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein—which are encased in a protective layer of specialized connective tissue. This gelatinous material, often called Wharton’s jelly, provides structural cushioning and support to the vessels.
A crucial biological feature of this structure is the complete absence of sensory nerve endings. Pain signals are transmitted through sensory nerves to the brain, but because the umbilical cord lacks this nervous tissue, there is no pathway for a pain impulse to be generated or sent.
The lack of nerves means the baby cannot register the cutting action as a painful sensation, similar to clipping a fingernail or hair. The small section of the cord that remains attached to the baby’s abdomen, the umbilical stump, is also devoid of nerves, explaining why it can be manipulated without causing discomfort. The mother is also unable to feel the cut because the cord is outside of her body and not connected to her internal nervous system.
The Procedure: Clamping and Cutting the Cord
Separating the baby from the placenta is a quick, sterile procedure performed by a healthcare provider. Before any cut is made, the umbilical cord is first secured in two places using specialized plastic clamps. These clamps are placed a few inches from the baby’s abdomen to stop the blood flow in the segment to be removed.
The cut is then made directly between the two clamps using sterile instruments, which ensures no blood is spilled and the separation is clean. The clamp closest to the baby remains in place on the short umbilical stump, preventing any bleeding from the newborn’s side. This stump will naturally dry out and fall off within one to three weeks after birth.
The cord cutting is a ceremonial moment in many births, and the provider will often offer the partner the opportunity to make the cut. The baby’s focus at this time is on adapting to breathing air and regulating their body temperature outside of the womb.
Delayed Cord Clamping: Why Timing Matters
While the cutting is painless, the timing of the procedure has significant physiological implications, leading to the practice of delayed cord clamping (DCC). Historically, the cord was clamped immediately after birth, but current recommendations suggest waiting. Delayed cord clamping is defined as waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds after birth, or until the cord stops pulsating, before applying the clamps.
This waiting period allows for a placental transfusion, where a significant volume of blood continues to flow from the placenta into the baby. This added blood volume can be substantial, sometimes increasing the newborn’s total blood volume by up to a third. The practice is now recommended for most full-term and preterm births because of the documented health advantages.
The primary benefit of delayed clamping is the transfer of red blood cells and iron stores to the infant. The increased iron reserve helps reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia in the first six months of life, supporting healthy growth and neurodevelopment. For premature babies, delaying the clamp can be even more beneficial, as it has been linked to a reduced risk of serious complications like severe neurological injury and the need for blood transfusions. The World Health Organization recommends that the cord not be clamped earlier than one minute after birth unless the newborn requires immediate resuscitation.