The placenta's primary function is to supply the metabolic substrates necessary to support fetal growth through the transportation of respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes. But is there more to the placenta than to serve as a transport mechanism, and the umbilical cord a simple conduit? The session will explore new found, fascinating evidence that the umbilical cord has a complex interplay and feedback between cord, fetus and placenta. In addition, the presenter will survey the benefits normally coiled umbilical cords provide and the jeopardy into which abnormally coiled umbilical cords place fetuses, including prematurity, cord occlusion, operative intervention for fetal distress, stillbirth and, possibly, cerebral palsy.