Two Vessel Cord
QUESTION
Dear Ms. Ultrasound,
I had my first ultrasound when I was 19 weeks and two days, now I am 21 weeks. In my ultrasound report it shows baby with two vessels in the cord and is a boy. Now that they have told me that I would be taken care by high risk clinic till the full term of my pregnancy, I am really concerned.
Is it normal to have baby with two vessels? Since my ultra sound report says everything else is normal with the baby the kidneys, heart, brain, and everything is well formed. The spine is well developed. They measured the heart rate at 160 and the weight of my baby was 10 ounces when the ultrasound was conducted.
Please help me. I am not happy and worried about my baby's well being. I want to have normal delivery and give birth to a normal lovely angel. I also want to know what is the reason behind baby having two vessels is it genetic or is physiological? And can this effect baby's growth and development? Also does two vessel cords have any effect in baby's body after birth?
ANSWER
Hello
What you are describing is when the umbilical cord has a single umbilical artery when it should have two. This is the most common abnormality of the umbilical cord and it does put you in the higher risk category.
This finding can represent a normal variant in some cases as the two arteries will fuse on occasion. Currently there are no definite correlations between a single uterine artery and a specific pattern of anomalies. If there is a problem with the baby it is not organ specific.
My last patient with a 2 vessel cord had a healthy baby boy except he had what is called hypospadias. This is when the opening where the urine comes out was in the wrong place. This was surgically corrected and the baby is fine. It sounds like you are going to be monitored well. Your babies anatomy is all fine from the ultrasound. This is great! I have seen very normal babies born with a 2 vessel cord, so try and relax for now. I know how hard it is when a Mommy to be is worried about a finding on an ultrasound.
The 2 vessel cord will not have an affect on the baby. . Since the ultrasound did not find anything wrong I want you to proceed knowing there is nothing wrong! This will help you make the pregnancy a wonderful experience instead of a stressful time in your life.
With Regards --
Jane RDMS
Jane Foley
Jane Foley has worked as a Sonographer (Ultrasound Technologist) since 1979. Jane has lived and worked in many parts of the world including Saudi Arabia. She is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or RDMS. She pulls a wealth of information from her experience in the field of Radiology and her interactions with such a broad cross-section of cultures she has visited. She now makes her home on the island of Maui with her English husband, Michael.
Comments
Two Vessel Cord
My daughter had the same problem plus pelviectasis. We went to the high-risk doctor every month. I am happy to say she is a happy & healthy 14 month old. She was 8 lbs 5 oz when she was born. And they were worried she would be under weight due to the cord.
Good luck! And try not to worry too much, much easier said then done.