The technical name for the belly button, though, is the ‘umbilicus.’This word comes from the term ‘umbilical cord.’An umbilical cord is long and thick.It looks like a rope.It connects a forming baby to his mother.The umbilical cord of an unborn baby, or fetus, begins to form during his second month of life.The umbilical cord carries nutrients and life-giving substances from the mother to the fetus.And it carries the fetus’ waste out.Shortly after birth, a doctor or health care worker clamps the umbilical cord.This stops the exchange between the mother and baby.Then, the doctor cuts the umbilical cord.A short stump of the cord remains.But after a few days, the small remaining piece falls off.
