Two Vessel Umbilical Cord

Something that expectant mothers may or may not know is that an umbilical cord is supposed to have three vessels or parts. In a normal umbilical cord there will be a vein to take blood and nutrients to the baby and two arteries to remove waste from the baby’s body.

During ultrasound examinations the doctor will look for a two vessel umbilical cord. This means that the umbilical cord will have one artery and one vein instead of one vein and two arteries.

The reason the doctor will be looking for a two vessel umbilical cord is that it can sometimes create problems during pregnancy. In most cases, a two vessel cord won’t cause any complications but it can create problems.

Why it Usually Isn’t Dangerous but can be a problem

The reason a two vessel umbilical cord can create problems is that it is easier for the flow of waste leaving the baby to become blocked. If this flow gets blocked there can be problems which can affect the baby. Normally this condition isn’t a threat to babies in the womb but it can create problems after birth.

There can be some complications from this condition; however, around 25 percent of the babies with it will be born with birth defects. Birth defects associated with this condition can include heart problems, intestinal problems, and problems with the nervous system.

The chance of miscarriage also increases with this condition. This is why doctors will monitor a woman whose baby has a two vessel umbilical cord. They will want to ensure a normal birth to protect mother and baby.

Babies with two vessel umbilical cords will also be more likely to have lower birth weights. Doctors may do more ultrasound scans on such a baby to see if it is growing normally.

What Causes It?

Unfortunately doctors don’t know why this condition occurs in some pregnancies and not in others. Nor do they have any means of treating or preventing it.

Physicians have identified some factors which make a two vessel umbilical cord more likely to occur. The condition is more common in girl babies than boys for some reason. Women who had three or more children or are over 40 are more likely to have the condition as well. It is also more common in women that suffer from diabetes.