Single umbilical artery (two vessel cord)

[counting]

Just found out yesterday that our baby boy has a two vessel cord. I'm 20w5d. He didn't have any other markers and his bladder, kidneys, heart and spine look fine. We have our first growth ultrasound mid October at 32 weeks to check that he isn't growth restricted. I've been told typically they go from there. If there's concern earlier they will book me back sooner.

Anyone who has been through this? Outcomes? Going through it now?

 

[happyshopper]

I'm currently 26 weeks and our baby girl has this too. When I found out I was so upset. The consultant told me not to worry and not to Google it either which just scared me more. But I did Google and I found many positive stories of lots of babies being born very healthy with the same condition. It's now beginning to be considered just a variation of normal. I decided that I wouldn't be concerned unless the consultant was concerned. I have a scan this week too and hopefully more to check on how she is getting on. She certainly feels like she's getting stronger with the constant kicks I'm getting.
I'm sorry that you don't have a textbook pregnancy but in the vast majority of cases i came across, there was no difference to outcomes. I'll let you know how I get on on Thursday x

 

[krisum]

I was diagnosed with this at my 18 week scan also.
My midwife really calmed my concerns after I Googled like crazy.
I went for a fetal echo shortly after to fully rule out any congenital heart issues. I go for my 32 week growth scan on Thursday. I will deliver in hospital so she can be seen by a pediatrician after birth and they will do an ultrasound of her kidneys shortly after to rule out any kidney dysfunction.

The reason being is there is increased corelation with heart and kidney abnormalities with the 2vc as the umbilical cord and heart/kidneys develop at the same time. It can also be associated with genetic abnormalities such as the trisomys but she had no markers and my that with my blood work showed very low risk so I opted for no additional testing to detect a genetic condition.

I'm not nervous for my growth scan as I have been measuring consistently a week ahead since they started measuring.

It's difficult finding out there is any complication, but as far as pregnancy complications go this one is one of the more minor ones!

 

[Jessicahide]

I know a woman who had this in her pregnancy last year, she had daily monitoring and was given a c-section at 34 weeks, her baby is fine and was a good weight for 34 weeks ( 4lbs 11) she is now a healthy 9 month old she is slightly behind on her milestones but all of her children are so i don't think it's been caused by anything else xxx hope this helps xxx

 

[Jess_11]

Hi there,

Just wondering how you guys are getting on with this, i see your posts are from July so just curious have you seen anyone since?

My baby has been measuring a little behind up until now, I have GD so i have been scanned a lot to date. They have said the baby is growing consistently but still on the smaller side.
I had the anomaly scan this morning and it turns out i have a single umbilical artery also with both of those together they are sending me for another scan on thursday. Kidneys, heart and everything else looks fine she said but they just need to follow up with an expert to make sure all is o.k with these soft markers together.

Not sure what i'm asking really, it's just good to know that i'm not alone in this as I am terrified that it will be bad news on thursday! I have to keep positive though. Haven't stopped crying since i got back from the hospital

Hope you other guys are doing o.k since you last posted xx

 

[counting]

Things are going OK. I'm trying not to stress, but some days that's easier said than done.

I've spent a lot.of time reading scientific articles and doing research. It seems that if no other issues (growth aside) are seen most babies won't go on to have chromosome or physical defects. Most commonly missed is kidney issues, but not life threatening with treatment. Most common complication is about 25-30% of babies are smaller than average or expected. Which normally does not affect long term health. Keep me posted. It's scary. I know it is.

Stay positive, sending good vibes your way.

 

[happyshopper]

Just to give you all an update. I'm almost 30 weeks and she is very active and growing (well my tummy is according to family/friends). There were no concerns at the 26 week scan and she was measuring approximately 2lbs 4oz and in 75% percentile.
Another scan booked next Thursday and every 4 weeks so hopefully she is on track and developing well. I've read recently that the umbilical artery widens to accommodate the fact there is only one. I hope every one and their little one is doing ok x

 

[Jess_11]

Happyshopper,that's great your little one is doing well. It sounds like they are keeping a close eye which is great.

Counting, thanks for the reply. Yes it does seem to fit in with the fact the baby is a little on the smaller side.

I had my scan with the specialist on thursday where they found a little hole in the baby's heart. As that's another marker she suggested we do the amnio there and then so we did.
She said that the smallish femur is consistent with the overall size of the baby so it could be just the two vessel cord causing baby to be a little small. The hole in the heart is nothing to be concerned about on it's own as that could be closed over by the next time i get a scan. But the fact of them all she said we would be better off getting an answer one way or another. She also said there is a nasal bone present which is good and there is plenty of fluid around baby which is another good sign she said.

So now the long wait until tuesday when i get the results. I am terrified to say the least.
She thinks the odds are in our favour of the baby not having chromosome issues but she can't say 100% by ultrasound alone.
I'll keep you updated anyway. Hope you all have a nice weekend. xx

 

[counting]

Thinking of you and little baby. Please keep us updated.

 

[happyshopper]

Just to give you another update. I am just over a week from my due date and so far everything seems to be going OK. I had four weekly scans up to 34 weeks and she was bang on the 50 percentile for each of them. They have stopped the scans now and just rely on the fundal measurements from the midwives and so far there are no issues.
I have an appointment next week to discuss induction as they don't want me going too far over my due date.
I hope all your babies are growing well and thriving x

 

[counting]

We got news on Monday that baby boy was measuring the 75th percentile, 4lb14oz!!! I'm 33 weeks today. No more follow up scans needed unless something else comes up! They confirmed his cord is extremely skinny, I'm going to have a look at that once he's born!, but it seems to be getting him everything he needs.

I have a Dr's appointment today and I have a few questions about if I'll be allowed to go past due date, closer monitoring near the end, if my typical end of pregnancy high bp is likely to cause an issue, etc.

 

[ssjad]

Hey, sounds like everyone here is going well!

We found out we're dealing with SUA last week, at 18 weeks. Bubby is also measuring just under the 5% percentile, and has fluid around her heart.

I'm booked for another ultrasound in 6 days, and an appt with the fetal monitoring unit the day after.
We did the Harmony test at 10w2d and that checked out fine, but obviously there are more chromosomal things that could be going on.
My last three babies were iugr, but they didn't look this bad so early.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Would love to hear from more people who are dealing with any of this.

 

[happyshopper]

I'm sorry ssjad that your having some complications with your pregnancy, it must be a very worrisome time for you. I hope the scan went OK and your baby is doing much better. I read that babies with SUA could have problems with their heart or kidneys as they develop at the same gestation. These problems could resolve themselves or your baby may need surgery or extra care after she is born. I wish you and your little one all the best and hope that things turn around for the better.
Just to keep you all updated, my baby girl was born on 3 November 2016, at 40 weeks 4 days weighing 6lbs 13ozs. The SUA didn't seem to have any impact on her development or growth in the womb and the labour Ward weren't even aware of it until I mentioned it afterwards. We are very blessed x

 

[ssjad]

Oh, that's so exciting happyshopper! Congratulations, and what a relief!!

 

[counting]

Update!

Our SUA baby entered the world November 25th at 2:43am! He was two weeks early ( due to my blood pressure not his cord) and weighed a very healthy 7lb9oz!!!
He's perfect in every way, and his cord was so amazingly fat despite only having 2 vessel. He tolerated an extremely hard induced labour amazingly.
I worried so much when I was pregnant but honestly his cord didn't affect him one but. He's lovely!

 

[ssjad]

Huge congratulations!!

 

[Jessicahide]

Congratulations on the safe arrival of your little one xxx