2 Vessel Cord (Abnormalities)

At my 20 week ultrasound I found out that our baby has a 2 vessel cord instead of 3.

This info Umbilical cord abnormalities can be detected ultrasonographically and may be associated with fetal anomalies, chromosome abnormalities, and potential complications during pregnancy.

The normal umbilical cord contains 2 arteries and 1 vein. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the left portal vein in the fetal liver. The 2 umbilical arteries are continuous with the internal iliac arteries and carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.

The most common abnormality of the umbilical cord is a single umbilical artery (SUA), which occurs in 0.5% to 2.5% of pregnancies.[1] This finding is sometimes referred to as a 2-vessel cord. The loss of 1 umbilical artery likely occurs secondary to thrombotic atrophy of a previously normal artery. Less likely, the loss may result from primary agenesis of the artery.[2] It is the left umbilical artery that is more commonly absent. The clinical significance of an SUA is not completely understood, and there are many different reports regarding outcomes of fetuses with this finding

The dr did say the baby was growing at normal rate and not to worry...how can I not worry? Anyone had this before, I know its kind of rare.

Aww sorry to hear this hun. I must say i haven't heard of it before. Did the doctor explain to you exactly what this would mean? Do you have to have extra scans? Or tests for possible abnormalities? I know it must be extremely hard not to worry but if the doctor is telling you he expects things to be fine then i would try not to stres over this too much. The stress can also affect your baby so trying to stay as calm as possible is a must! If you haven't had all your questions answered hun then write down exactly what you want to know and make another appointment either with your midwife or consultant to find out the answers you need. Hopefully this will help to reassure you some! Xx

Hi Kiah, I've never heard of this either, but I agree with mum2popsnjak's post, try to relax and not worry especially if the Dr's are not too concerned about it. Good luck! keep us updated!