During her first ultrasound at Kaiser, my daughter-in-law was diagnosed with having a single umbilical artery instead of the usual two arteries. This condition is also called a two vessel cord. We were talked to by a genetic counselor who stated the (low) odds of other anamolies appearing and took family histories. The doctor also took extra blood and the tests came out showing very few markers for birth defects. No amnio is planned at this time. They will be monitoring closely for any fetal distress in the third trimester. Many of these babies are delivered early. There is still a risk factor present and I'd like to ask anyone out there to contribute their own experience with this situation. I've checked the internet and the U.S. info is mostly scientific and concerned with associated defects, while a few UK parents who have had the same complication have written that their kids are just fine. Thank you in advance. Concerned Gran

And by the way, my daughter was 2 weeks late, plenty of fluid, no degrading of the placenta. Tough labor but I don't think that had anything to do with the umbilical cord! And she made it through with no real stress (I had to quickly move my position once when the bells went off but that was it). The cord was around her neck when she came out but the doctor handled it just fine and we had no worries. Apgars were fine.

Our doctor had seen the one artery cord several times before and said none of the babies were adversely affected so I think it's really a VERY small risk. I would just make sure she feels confortable with and confident in her doctor (ours was fabulous but she's on the other side of the bay) and gets the extra testing they recommend. Then enjoy your perfect little grandchild! Kristie