Two-vessel Umbilical Cords

I just gave birth to a baby (my third baby) with a 2-vessel cord two weeks ago. From what my drs. told me, they have no idea why it happens and it is quite common. It CAN be an indicator that something else is wrong, but not necessarily. I'm glad everything worked out for you and your baby.

On a different note, I'm SHOCKED at how little your dr. did to monitor your baby!!! They had me in for monthly bio-physical profiles (ultrasounds) until they noticed my amniotic fluid level kept dropping. I then had to go in weekly, and then twice-weekly because it was getting dangerously low, ESPECIALLY for a 2-vessel cord baby. They would have done them weekly anyway to make sure things were OK. Even if the cord is not an indicator of a more serious problem, it requires extra care to make sure other complications do not stem from it or cause stress.
I was also induced a week early because the amniotic fluid level drops naturally towards the end of pregnancy, which can stress the 2VC and cause complications. My dr. said there was no way they would let anyone in that situation (carrying a baby with a 2-vessel cord) go past 40 weeks.

Our second child has a 2 vc and no problems. Our other two kids didn't and were bigger babies (and boys). We had extra ultrasounds with each child for other issues. I did hear that 2 vc happens in about 10% of pregnancies. Our OB said that there are a lot of people who have this and they don't even know.

Good luck with the pregnancy!

Hi K.,

I also had a two vessel cord with my first pregnancy and am now 6 months into my second pregnancy. I had my ultrasound a few weeks ago and they confirmed that this baby has a normal 3 vessel cord. I don't think a two vessel cord is a genetic issue...just a fluke that is more common than you might think. I am sure that you will be fine and that the second baby will have a normal cord. Good luck to you!

Congratulations :)
With my first daugher I had the two-vessel cord.
My second daughter had a normal cord. From what I can remember, the doctor told me you have the same chances to have that happen again, like 1% or something really low. No worries!