2 Vessels in the Umbilical Cord

M.,
I found info on this web site:

http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_4546.asp

What is single umbilical artery?
About 1 percent of singleton and about 5 percent of multiple pregnancies have an umbilical cord that contains only two blood vessels, instead of the normal three, as one artery is missing. The cause of this abnormality is unknown. If an ultrasound examination shows that the baby appears to have no other abnormalities, the baby is likely to be born healthy.

However, studies suggest that about 25 percent of babies with single umbilical artery have birth defects, including chromosomal and/or other abnormalities. A woman whose baby is diagnosed with single umbilical artery during an ultrasound examination may be offered prenatal testing using ultrasound evaluation of the fetal heart and amniocentesis to diagnose or rule out chromosomal abnormalities. Even if the baby does not appear to have birth defects, the pregnant woman will probably be monitored carefully for the remainder of the pregnancy because of a somewhat increased risk of poor fetal growth, preterm delivery and stillbirth.

Hope all goes well ------------ C.

M.,
I'm new to this site but saw your post an had to respond. My dd was a 2 vessel baby and she was born with NO problems (except she was 3 1/2 wk early). I was scared to death! Towards the end of the pregnancy I had weekly non-stress tests to be sure she was ok. I've heard that alot of 2 vessel babies come early so be prepared! But try not to worry. My dd is 2 1/2 now and perfectly normal. Good luck and congrats!

L.

Hi M.,

Congratulations on you pregnancy!

There are some congenital anomalies that maybe associated with the 2 vessels, but the chances of NO problems are greater.

You can find information on a 2 vessel cord (or anything else) on dogpile.com Type in 2 vessel cord and there will be lots of information.(maybe more then you want). This may help answer some of your questions until you can talk to your Dr. Write any questions down as you think of them. Take them with you to your next Dr. visit. Make sure he or she addresses them. It's important for your Dr. to be willing to answer your questions without rushing you.

I'm sure the Dr. will or already has done more in depth testing and will watch the baby's growth closely during the pregnancy.

In the meantime don't worry, enjoy your pregnancy and your 8 month old. Worrying will not change anything, it will only create more stress. Stress can cause more problems for you and your baby!

I hope everything works out well for you and baby!

K. :)

The ultrasounds I had for my twins showed that one of them only had 2 vessels, but they told me not to worry because a lot of times the ultrasounds just dont pick up the 3rd. Ofcourse, I worried anyway, but they turned out just fine and the 3rd was there like it was supposed to be! Just try not to stress yourself out too much about it!

HI M. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY PREGNANCY THEYED TOLD ME SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS COULD BE WRONG WITH MY DAUGHTER TOLD ME I SHOULD HAVE A AMNIO DONE TO SEE IF THE BABY HAD DOWN SYNDROME DONT WORRY MY DAUGHTER IS 2 YEARS OLD NOW AND WAS PERFECT AT BIRTH NOTHING WAS WRONG

No this is not normal, if they didn't mention any other abnormality, your baby still can be normal. You need to talk your doctor. I am including a website for you to look at. It's pretty interesting. Wishing you the best~
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_4546.asp

Congrats on your pregnancy and being a AMA momma! I had my last at age 43.

I have seen this on the birthing TV shows and you can still have a happy healthy baby. Try to relax and let the doctors complete thier testing.

Take care,
-P.