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Saturday, July 15, 2006
Single Unbilical Artery (SUA)
Sammy, 36 from Australia asks...
This is my second pregnancy. I am 21 weeks pregnant. I have just received the results from my 20 week scan. The conclusion reads: live singleton 20 week fetus. Only a 2 vessel cord demonstrated but no other associated fetal abnormality has been detected. I have read a little over the net and I am now scared to death with this sua thing. Should I find comfort in the fact that no other abnormalities have been noted? I also had the maternal serum testing done at 15 weeks which indicated a low risk of down syndrome, 1 in 1600, and all other testing has come back normal. Please give me your thoughts on this matter. Worried sick.
Stacy Says...
Definitely find comfort in that there are no other abnormalities detected. SUA (single unbilical artery) can occur for many reasons, the exact pathology is unknown. Most typically, the loss of 1 umbilical artery likely occurs secondary to thrombotic atrophy of a previously normal artery. Meaning, there was a clot in the artery that occluded the flow of the artery, damaging it. Also, SUA is seen with congenital abnormalities of the heart, intestines and most commonly the kidneys. It is also seen with abnomalities loike Down's Syndrome.
HOWEVER, sometimes the single artery fuses into two just before entering the placenta. But this can't be detected so early in the pregnancy because the umbilical cord is coiled.
According to some experts, a detailed anatomic survey needs to be performed as well as a fetal echocardiogram to detect for heart abnormalities (this is just like an ultrasound, I had one on my baby). If the ultrasounds come up normal, the an amniocentesis can be performed, but it isn't imperative. Finally, in the third trimester, more detailed tests can be done. Medical miracles are occuring ALL THE TIME. Even if there are abnormalities with the heart or kidneys, more than likely they can be fixed.
This is my second pregnancy. I am 21 weeks pregnant. I have just received the results from my 20 week scan. The conclusion reads: live singleton 20 week fetus. Only a 2 vessel cord demonstrated but no other associated fetal abnormality has been detected. I have read a little over the net and I am now scared to death with this sua thing. Should I find comfort in the fact that no other abnormalities have been noted? I also had the maternal serum testing done at 15 weeks which indicated a low risk of down syndrome, 1 in 1600, and all other testing has come back normal. Please give me your thoughts on this matter. Worried sick.
Stacy Says...
Definitely find comfort in that there are no other abnormalities detected. SUA (single unbilical artery) can occur for many reasons, the exact pathology is unknown. Most typically, the loss of 1 umbilical artery likely occurs secondary to thrombotic atrophy of a previously normal artery. Meaning, there was a clot in the artery that occluded the flow of the artery, damaging it. Also, SUA is seen with congenital abnormalities of the heart, intestines and most commonly the kidneys. It is also seen with abnomalities loike Down's Syndrome.
HOWEVER, sometimes the single artery fuses into two just before entering the placenta. But this can't be detected so early in the pregnancy because the umbilical cord is coiled.
According to some experts, a detailed anatomic survey needs to be performed as well as a fetal echocardiogram to detect for heart abnormalities (this is just like an ultrasound, I had one on my baby). If the ultrasounds come up normal, the an amniocentesis can be performed, but it isn't imperative. Finally, in the third trimester, more detailed tests can be done. Medical miracles are occuring ALL THE TIME. Even if there are abnormalities with the heart or kidneys, more than likely they can be fixed.
Just remember, this child is a blessing from God. There is no 100% can to know what will happen until he/she is born. Just take care of yourself, focus on the baby, and look forward to the love and joy you will have when he/she is born.
