Please If You Have Heard of This Before....

Hi H.,

First of all, I think you need to know that everything is going to be all right! It sounds as though you are an excellent "baby maker" having had an exceptionally healthy baby girl as an example. As long as your son has an artery and a vein in the umbilical cord, he can exchange blood normally and that's really the biggest concern.

When we had our little boy, my hormone levels were elevated and they said that I was going to have a Down's Syndrome baby because of it. I completely stressed about this for the entire time that I had to wait in order to have a level 2 ultrasound (several weeks) because my husband had absolutely NO interest in having a special needs child and I knew I'd essentially be a single parent, if it didn't end my marriage. Everything was fine though. I think I cried with relief when I saw his little profile and the nurse commented on his "big nose" (Down's babies generally have no vomer... bridge to their nose).

What they DIDN'T tell me right away was that there was a 97% chance that my baby would be fine and only a 3% chance that he'd have Down's. I'm sure it is the same type of situation with you. They feel that they have to tell you that there is a chance of low chromosome count and heart defect, but there is a chance of that even with three vessels. There may not be much difference in the "chance".

Everything seems more magnified when you're pregnant and I can remember only too well the stress I was feeling during my first trimester with my husband not wanting to be a father (he's an EXCELLENT dad), the tri-test results, waiting for the level 2 ultrasound... it sucked to put it mildly. Most of the stress was un-necessary... and I think that if you can focus on the positives, everyone will be healthier and happier throughout. I know it's hard, but hang in there and try to relax and enjoy your second pregnancy!

Hi - We were also told that our baby had only two vessles but a high-powered ultrasound proved differently. I'm not sure if this is the ultrasound you had, but you are always entitled to a second opinion. Before we knew for sure, our doctor told us that some babies with this condition are fine and you might not ever notice anything unusual about your child as he/she grows up. Good luck.

First of all, know that I will say a prayer for your baby and all of those other yet-to-be-born babes out there. A co-worker was diagnosed with this same issue. She was really nervous at first, but she is doing well. She will be induced next weekend at 39 weeks. At 37 weeks, her babe was 7 lbs 10 oz. She has gone in for ultrasounds and monitoring of his heart beat, etc more often than normal. But the DR's have it under control. I asked my own DR about it and she said in the majority of cases the baby is 100% fine. After all, he/she has 2/3 of what it needs! Good luck, stay positive, and keep us updated!

This may sound silly, but I did just see somethng about this on TLC, either A Baby Story or Bringing Home Baby. The mom had this problem, they monitered the baby and made sure he/she was growing properly. They said as long as baby continues to gorw, there are usually no problems. They can have heart related issues, but they usually find that before or right after birth. If baby is fine, there is usually no long term effects. Most babies are great!

You are in my prayers!

I don't have personal experience with this, but as a L&D nurse I have seen babies born with only a 2 vessel cord. The cord normally has one vein and two arteries. With a 2 vessel cord there is most likely an artery missing--so bloodflow to and from the baby would still be possible with the two existing vessels. The babies that I have seen born were either small for gestational age, or they appeared to have no problems. I have only been a nurse for 5 years so it is a limited experience (because they are more rare). I think they will continue to monitor you and the baby closely throughout the pregnancy to make sure everything is developing as it should be.

H..

I have had that happen with my son during our last pregnancy 3 years ago. We had another Level 2 a month later and everything ended up looking fine. We are going to be going in for a level 2 ultra sound in about a month and a half to see our new baby. When are you due? I am due Jan 12, 08....

You can email me off here if you want to talk more. ____@____.com

I too saw this on TLC with a mom, and as I remember the baby turned out fine. I know your doctors will continue to monitor you and your son. But keep the faith, that all will be great, and He will see it that it be so. I'll pray for your son health as well.