Single umbilical artery
About 1 percent of singleton and about 5 percent of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets or more) have an umbilical cord that contains only two blood vessels, instead of the normal three. The cause of this abnormality, called single umbilical artery, is unknown.
The umbilical cord is the life-line that attaches the mother and developing baby. Connecting through the placenta, a normal umbilical cord is made up of three blood vessels. One large vein carries oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the baby and the two smaller arteries carry blood and waste products back to the placenta. The umbilical cord normally grows to about two feet in length, allowing the baby enough cord to safely move around without causing damage to the cord or the placenta.
In a single umbilical artery, one artery is missing. Studies suggest that babies with single umbilical artery have an increased risk for birth defects, including heart, central nervous system and urinary-tract defects and chromosomal abnormalities. A woman whose baby is diagnosed with single umbilical artery during a routine ultrasound may be offered certain prenatal tests to diagnose or rule out birth defects. These tests may include a detailed ultrasound, amniocentesis (to check for chromosomal abnormalities) and in some cases, echocardiography (a special type of ultrasound to evaluate the fetal heart). The provider also may recommend that the baby have an ultrasound after birth.
The diagnosis of a single umbilical artery does not necessarily mean that the baby will have a birth defect. It does mean, however, that some tests are warranted and that closer attention needs to be paid for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Tags: amniocentesis, birth defect, blood vessels, chromosomal abnormalities, placenta, Pregnancy, simgle umbilical artery, ultrasound, umbilical cord
January 19th, 2013 at 12:31 am
I just found out a month ago I had the one atery.. im scared can someone tell me about it please??
February 9th, 2013 at 2:11 am
I was told I have SUA this past Thursday (Feb. 7th). I’m beyond scared for what the future holds. So far no signs of abnormbilities. Just have to have ultrasounds often to check on babys growth, and heart. Next ultrasound for me is March 7th.
February 11th, 2013 at 5:18 pm
It’s so hard to be patient in a situation like this. The most important thing is to keep all your prenatal care appointments and follow your health care provider’s advice. Make sure you write down all of your questions and take them with you to your appointments. This way you will know as much as you can about how everything is going. Hang in there!
April 16th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Just wanted to comment that this abnormality is the most common umbilical cord abnormality and most babies will still be perfectly normal. With my first child they didn’t discover this issue until after he was born (which was a bonus since I didn’t have to worry about it through the pregnancy!) and he scored all 10’s on his apgars, and is now 4 years old with no health issues. Just wanted to encourage you that most likely everything is fine! I hope all tests come back with flying colors and you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!