2-vessel umbilical chord

[n0ne]

Just had my 20w scan and everything looked tickety-boo, except the scan technician noticed that the umbilical chord only has 2 vessels instead of 3. Apparently 1% of pregnancies have this, and it often isn't noticed until the baby is born, but it can lead to organ and overall development issues. Scan tech said all the organs look perfect and I'm currently measuring bang on for dates, but I need to have another scan at the hospital gynae clinic.

Anyone else had this or heard of it? What was the outcome? I'm trying not to worry but it's difficult!

Yes I had this with my first pregnancy - it's known as Single Umbilical Artery. I had some extra growth scans as a result but everything was absolutely fine. One of the sonographers who scanned me said it's often considered a normal variation these days and not all NHS Trusts even do any additional monitoring. Generally the one artery grows bigger to compensate so the blood flow to the baby is not restricted.

Oh wow, really? That's good to hear The mw didn't seem too concerned, tbh. Guess they're just being careful. I'm a 'mature' mum too (38) so I guess you can't be too careful.

It's weird, with DD1 she had a really short UC but was perfectly fine. Maybe weird UCs is just my 'thing'!

My niece had this. Baby was 10lbs at birth! She is now 15 months old and absolutely fine.

Little bump, if I could

DS2 had this. He was given a very detailed cardiac scan as it can be a marker for heart problems. He was also given regular growth scans. He was 10lbs 7oz and perfectly healthy apart from a condition which causes him to never stop talking.