Single Umbilical Artery

[Harriet]

I just got back from the doctor, who gave me the results from my 20 week u/s.
It says "isolated finding of a single umbilical artery".

Has anyone experienced this, or know much about it?

The doctor didn't know what it meant, and some of the stuff written on the internet is pretty scary

[Antheia]

It means there is only 1 vein in the cord instead of 2.

My daughter had this. She is completely healthy.

Its only a concern if theres are other markers for down's syndrome. If everything else is fine and they didnt suggest you to have a repeat scan then bub is probably fine.

[Harriet]

Everything else came up ok, but they have suggested that another scan be conducted.
As the doctor didn't understand what it meant, he didn't refer me on.

Thank you for responding so quickly

[Rosebud]

DD was born with a single umbilical artery. At the time we were a little shocked as it hadn't been detected on any of the ultrasounds. At the time I was told that some bubs with SUA are born with a low birth weight and it can also be a flag for a missing or undersized kidney or issues with kidney function.

DD was born 3.85kg so an excellent weight for a bub with SUA. A number of tests were performed for kidney size & function 2 days post birth and all was found to be normal.

I find it strange that the Dr didn't know what it meant

hun, sending you & bub H&H vibes and just remember, google is not your friend.

[mumsy]

Try not to stress. Easier said than done, I know. I was told my bub had a single umbilical artery at the 19 week scan. Had a repeat scan at approx 32-33 weeks and they saw the second artery which had obviously been there all along but was so small that it had been missed.

[Harriet]

Thanks Rosbud and mumsy, feeling a lot better about it now.
Google can be evil - thats why I came here!

[Antheia]

Yes, I forgot to mention that it can be associated with low birth weight. My DD was 9lb 7oz so no issue there lol.

[Hollybolly]

It means there is only 1 vein in the cord instead of 2.

My daughter had this. She is completely healthy.

Its only a concern if theres are other markers for down's syndrome. If everything else is fine and they didnt suggest you to have a repeat scan then bub is probably fine.

My words exactly

DS2 had this as well, and is perfectly fine - he was even born prem at 36 weeks (not due to this though, due to me having placenta praevia) and although his birthweight was teeny (2.85kgs) - it was a great size for his gestation.

I too find it a little concerning that the Dr didn't know what it meant :O

[FabFiona]

Harriet I hope you aren't too stressed. Hope it all turns out ok.

[butterfly_warrior]

Another SUA bub here. I googled and freaked out, but was later told that most of the anomalies associated with SUA are eliminated as possibilities at the 12 week scan - before they even know there is a SUA.

We had repeat scans at 24 and 32 weeks as it can be a marker for heart issues as well as kidney issues. Bub will likely have a scan of their kidneys shortly after birth - but I'm told that's usually just a precaution and rarely do they actually find issues.

My boy was also a 36 week premmie, and while they don't know the cause it's unlikely to be from the SUA.

When you say doctor - do you mean GP as part of shared care or OB? I'd be EXTREMELY disturbed if an OB didn't know what it means but if it was a GP it is a bit more reasonable... But I don't understand why you wouldn't have been referred on to someone who DOES know in that case.

BW

[Antheia]

That's weird, DD never had a scan after birth...

If you are still concerned then take your report and get a 2nd opinion. If only to ease your mind. *hug*

[Harriet]

Thanks again everyone.

It was just a GP, he is a great doctor but I can't expect him to know everything. I am going through the midwife program at Sunshine Hospital - they just couldn't fit me in for a 20 week u/s so I went privately. I've got an appt with my midwife on Tuesday morning, so I will talk to her about it then. Obviously there is nothing I can do about it at the moment, but hearing that other people have been through it without major complications does help.

[me and the crew]

DD1 had this, i'm pretty sure it got picked up at the 20 week scan,and was told that 1 kidney was a bit smaller than the other.Had quite a few u/s following after that.At 30 weeks she had slowed right down with growing and had c-section at 35 weeks.She was born 5p 5oz
I am surprised that yr doc doesn't know about it and hopefully someone at the hospital follows it up for you