Two vessel cords

Hello,
This would be my second pregnancy. I lost my first child four years ago because of high blood pressure. I am very scared this time.  I am afraid that the same this is going to happened again.  Yesterday, I had a level II ultrasound and they said that the baby looks fine exempt that they found two vessel cords instead of three.  I am more worry now.  What types of abnormalities occur to the baby?  can anyboby please give me an advise?
Thank you

[msklar]

My first son had a 2 vessel cord. Hes a healthy 4 year old. They did test him for a couple of things when he was born, But I believe typically its a precaution. Most of the time things are fine...

[marifer]

Thank you for your comment, I really appreciated.

[marifer]

Hi,
I am sorry to bother you. However, from reading the other messages, I get the impression that you are a nurse and have helped many women with question. Do you think you can help me with my question?  Msklar already told me that her child had two vessel cords and perfectly normal at four years old.  However, I know that not everyone is that lucky.  Am I in a greater risk, since I lost my first baby due to High Blood pressure?

[nurse12hr]

I did a bit of searching-- here is what I found:

"A two-vessel umbilical cord (or single umbilical artery) is a perinatal finding that may be detected in infants with congenital or chromosomal abnormalities. Its presence has been associated with an increased risk of genitourinary defects. The urologic anomalies that typically are associated with a two-vessel cord often are minor and self-limiting. These defects usually can be detected perinatally in routine prenatal screening ultrasonographic examinations. The neonatal physical examination, an additional postnatal ultrasonography, and possibly a voiding cystourethrogram will be sufficient to complete the screening for genitourinary abnormalities in children with a single umbilical artery. Infants with two-vessel umbilical cords do not require additional screening for genitourinary defects, unless the imaging or amniocentesis detects a genitourinary abnormality. This review details the history of two-vessel cords and the associated genitourinary anomalies."


Plain english--SOMETIMES 2 vessel cords are associated with abnormalities of the urinary tract.  These abnormalities are most often minor.  

From experience, I have seen several babies with 2 vessel cords, and they haven't had any problems.  It is most often just something to be aware of.

The high blood pressure is another issue.  Most times, pre-eclampsia (or high blood pressure of pregnancy) is found in first time mothers.  But you are certainly at higher risk.  Your blood pressure will be monitored more closely, and certain tests may be done throughout the pregnancy.  There are also some medications your doctor may choose to put you on during pregnancy to decrease your risk.  

good luck! I hope things go well for you.

[marifer]

I want to thank you so much for your response. Oh, and also thank you for having to make some research on it.  You have made me feel better. I am getting close attention for my blood pressure and now I am going to get a fetal echo done to monitor my baby's heart.  I hope everything goes well with this pregnancy.  Once again thank you.

[nurse12hr]

good luck, marifer.

[madilynlee]

Dearest One,
My name is karen, I had a healthy daughter 22 inches 7 pounds she had a 2 vessel cord and low amniotic fluid level as wll. She came out a little but a healthy screaming baby girl. The only trouble I have had is she has adhd. I will not complain I worried for months she wouldn't make it for nothing. She is very hyper but who is to say the 2 vessel cord is the cause of that, as tons of children suffer from that condition.

God Bless and you are in my prayers...
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