About 1 % of singleton and 5% of multiple pregnancies have an umbilical cord that contains two blood vessels instead of the usual 3. This is abnormality is known as a single umbilical artery. In this case, one artery is missing.
The umbilical cord is the lifeline between the mother and the baby. The normal umbilical cord is made up of three blood vessels. A large vein that carries oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the baby and two smaller arteries that carry blood and waste product back to the placenta. In a single umbilical artery, one artery is missing.
What is the effect of single umbilical artery to the unborn child
Studies have indicated that babies with this condition have an increased risk of birth defects. These include heart, central nervous system and urinary tract defects as well as chromosomal abnormalities. A pregnant woman whose baby is diagnosed with single umbilical artery will be given certain prenatal tests to rule out or diagnose birth defects. These tests may include a detailed ultrasound , amniocentesis and in some cases echocardiography. It is also recommended that the baby has an ultrasound after delivery.
The diagnosis of this condition does not mean that the baby will have birth defects. It means that the baby is at high risk for birth defects and as a result should be monitored closely and certain tests should be performed.
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