Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
359668 tn?1201448273

only 1 artery please help me

my dr called me and i was told the baby is very small for 19 weeks and they saw there is only 1 artery in the umbilical cord instead of two.  i am so scared, she is so small right now. her heart beat was 153 so thats good but she is very small due to this fact. can anyone help me. i am just crying, i know its not good, but i am so scared.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
212161 tn?1599427282
i have a friend whos son had same thing they did a lot of us to make sure all was ok , he was born last week and doing great not one problem, her dr said its very common and not to worry and she didnt and hes perfect. good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im not sure if this is it??

Single Umbilical Artery
Occasionally, there is only the one single umbilical artery (SUA) present in the cord. Approximately 1 in 100 newborns are found to have a SUA, making it the most common umbilical abnormality. It is more common in multiple births. Babies with SUA may have a higher likelihood of having other congenital abnormalities. However, additional testing (high level ultrasound scans) can rule out many of these abnormalities prior to birth and alleviate parental anxiety. Echocardiograms of the fetus may be advised to ensure the heart is functioning properly. Genetic counseling may be useful, too, especially when weighing the pros and cons of more invasive procedures such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis.

It is important to note that a diagnosis of SUA, while anxiety provoking, is in no way a guarantee that a fetus is at risk for other problems in utero or after birth. Especially encouraging are cases in which no other soft markers for congenital abnormalities are visible via ultrasound. Prior to ultrasound technology, the only method for determining the presence of a SUA was at birth, following an examination of the placenta. Given that the vast majority of expectant mothers do not receive the kind of advanced ultrasound scanning required to confirm SUA in utero, most cases may never be detected antenatally even today.

Doctors and midwives often suggest parents take the added precaution of having regular growth scans near term to rule out intrauterine growth restriction, which can happen on occasion and warrant intervention. Yet the majority of growth restricted infants with the abnormality also have other defects. Finally, neonates with the finding may also have a higher occurrence of kidney problems, so close examination of the infant may be warranted shortly after birth. Among SUA infants, there is a slightly elevated risk for post-natal urinary infections.
Helpful - 0
414635 tn?1272217693
Did he make a follow appointment or refer you to a specialist??I don't have any knowledge about this, but try not to worry and stress too much until you find out all of the facts. and defianlty get a second opinion
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.