Umbilical cord Spirals Act as Natural Cooling System for Developing Fetuses, Study Reveals
September 24, 2025 - New research published today indicates the spiral structure of the umbilical cord plays a crucial role in regulating fetal temperature during pregnancy, acting as a natural cooling mechanism to prevent overheating. The findings, released September 24, 2025, offer a novel understanding of fetal physiology and could have implications for managing pregnancies elaborate by maternal fever or other conditions impacting fetal thermal regulation.
The study illuminates how the twisting arrangement of blood vessels within the umbilical cord facilitates heat dissipation from the fetus to the mother’s circulation. This previously unrecognized function is notably critically important as fetuses generate significant heat due to their metabolic activity, and maintaining a stable temperature is vital for healthy growth. Researchers believe this discovery explains why umbilical cord coiling variations are sometimes observed, perhaps representing adaptations to differing maternal or fetal thermal needs.
The research team investigated the biomechanics of blood flow within coiled umbilical cord models, demonstrating that the spirals promote turbulent flow, enhancing convective heat transfer.This process effectively carries heat away from the fetus and towards the maternal bloodstream,where it can be safely dissipated. The findings suggest that disruptions to umbilical cord coiling could potentially compromise this cooling system, increasing the risk of fetal hyperthermia.
“We found that the spirals aren’t just about delivering nutrients and oxygen; they’re actively working to keep the baby cool,” explained a researcher involved in the study. “This is a fundamental aspect of fetal thermoregulation that we hadn’t fully appreciated before.”
Further research is planned to investigate the relationship between umbilical cord coiling patterns and fetal temperature in vivo, and also to explore potential clinical interventions for pregnancies where fetal cooling may be compromised.
