Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do I Need To Take Care During Pregnancy If Baby Has Single Umbilical Artery?

Hi, I am currently 21 weeks pregnant. In my 20th week ultra sound, my sonologist found that my baby has a single umbilical artery and said that the growth would have to be monitored closely. My Markers Test report and the growth of the baby so far are good and absolutely normal. I am really concerned about my baby's health. Do I need to take any particular care to ensure that the baby grows in a normal and healthy manner?
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM

Baby is likely to be fine. Having only one artery, called a single umbilical artery (SUA), shouldn't affect his/her health.

The person performing your scan (sonographer) will check that your baby has two normal kidneys. A baby with an SUA has a slightly increased risk of having kidney problems.

But as long as baby's kidneys appear to be working fine, your sonographer won't be concerned. Nearly all babies with a single artery are perfectly healthy, and baby won't need a kidney scan after birth of baby.

However, you may be recommended to have further scans, just to keep an eye on your baby's growth. This is because babies with an SUA may grow at a slower rate.

If their is no other abnormality other than SUA, then their is noneed to worry and you can relax. But follow your doctor advice and get future ultrasound scan done.

Regards
Dr Santosh
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Umbilical artery


Loading Online Doctors....
Do I Need To Take Care During Pregnancy If Baby Has Single Umbilical Artery?

Hi and welcome to HCM Baby is likely to be fine. Having only one artery, called a single umbilical artery (SUA), shouldn t affect his/her health. The person performing your scan (sonographer) will check that your baby has two normal kidneys. A baby with an SUA has a slightly increased risk of having kidney problems. But as long as baby s kidneys appear to be working fine, your sonographer won t be concerned. Nearly all babies with a single artery are perfectly healthy, and baby won t need a kidney scan after birth of baby. However, you may be recommended to have further scans, just to keep an eye on your baby s growth. This is because babies with an SUA may grow at a slower rate. If their is no other abnormality other than SUA, then their is noneed to worry and you can relax. But follow your doctor advice and get future ultrasound scan done. Regards Dr Santosh