الفهرس 
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Abstract
Summary The umbilical cord (UC) is the essential life-sustaining connection between fetus and placenta. It constitutes a stable connection to the fetomaternal interface, while allowing fetal mobility that is essential for fetal development in general and neuromotor development in particular. Although the umbilical cord is most probably the only organ that dies when life begins, it is one of the most important parts of the feto-placental unit, playing a role in determining the manner in which extrauterine life will begin. The umbilical cord can be easily demonstrated and assessed by conventional real-time ultrasound. In addition to morphologic cord’s characteristics that would be described by the number of vessels, the umbilical blood flow patterns can be analyzed by color (power) and pulsed Doppler ultrasound that relate to its functionality. There is mounting evidence that the sonographic characteristics of the umbilical cord may be useful in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal aneuploidy, macrosomy, growth restriction, fetal heart rate disturbances, intrauterine demise and preeclampsia . The Umbilical cord diameter affects the overall outcome of fetus. Wharton’s jelly is an extracellular matrix, gelatinous material. It protects the umbilical cord vessels from compression or bending. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) predisposes by Reduction in wall thickness of the umbilical cord arteries and vein. Thus, the overall thickness of umbilical cord is contributed by its vessels, Wharton’s jelly. So, it can be concluded that reduction in umbilical cord thickness and diameter can compromise the fetal growth. Reduced fetal growth has its own implications on immediate postnatal and long-term neonatal outcomes. 86 Appropriate assessment of fetal growth rate and health is essential for maternal/fetal care and could assist obstetricians to properly