Single Umbilical Artery (SUA): Getting the Call
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Aaron and I had our ultrasound with Spawn this week, and we were excited to see all working parts: two arms, two legs, a heart with four chambers, kidneys — you get the point. Spawn was twisting and turning and putting on a great show. One of the best moments was seeing the tell-tale sign that Spawn is, indeed, a BOY. There’s no denying that!
We asked a lot of questions of the ultrasound tech (sonographer?) and in the end, we walked out with 4 sweet pictures of our little boy and hearts full of joy. Our first stop was to buy him some clothes, pick up some lunch, and then have lunch with Miss Sassy Pants to reveal the gender (she was praying for a sister).
Later in the afternoon of the next day, my phone rang and showed the Caller ID for my doctor’s office. As I’d had some blood work a few weeks earlier, I just assumed that I was getting the “everything’s ok” call. Nope.
The nurse started talking about Spawn’s ultrasound and told me he only had “one umbilical artery.” She pronounced “umbilical” differently than I would (something akin to “um-bi-LIE-cul” where I would have said “um-bil-ah-cul”). It took me a minute to realize what she was telling me, and then she began talking about the need for a level 2 ultrasound.
My level-headed brain took charge (thank goodness) and I was writing notes furiously so I could give Aaron the information when he came home from work. She was spouting off scientific jargon, and while I took anatomy class I couldn’t quite keep up.
Frustration seemed to set in for her as I asked her to repeat (again) what was wrong with our baby. She did, and I repeated it back to her. She told me we’d be sent to another location for our level 2 ultrasound and that Katherine, another nurse, would be calling me back in a little while with our appointment time and day.
We hung up, and I called my parents with the intention of making sure I’d have coverage for the Animal and Miss Sassy Pants. Instead, when my dad answered, I melted. I tried my best to explain to him what was wrong. Mom took the phone next, and I had an even harder time explaining without sobbing.
Aaron walked in, saw my red face, and I somehow found a way to tell him without crying. It wasn’t until later when I began getting texts from friends and family that the tears began flowing again.
There isn’t much that I don’t research. I’m known for going straight to Google or the dictionary or IMDB to prove someone wrong or just find the answers to a question I may have. I did the same with this situation. Here’s what I’ve found:
- The umbilical cord should have 2 arteries and 1 vein. The vein carries in blood and nourishment from the mother. The arteries carry out waste that is then taken into the mother’s blood and disposed of by her kidneys.
- Single Umbilical Artery (SUA) occurs in 1% of singular pregnancies and 5% of multiple pregnancies.
- 75% of babies with SUA have no problems once they are born.
- When SUA is detected, doctors will order a higher level ultrasound to look closer at the heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal and spinal areas.
- SUA has no known cause.
- SUA can sometimes lead to or be connected to congenital heart abnormalities, kidney abnormalities, future urinary tract infections.
- SUA is sometimes associated with low birth weight and/or pre-term delivery.
- It is rare that a baby has major complications connected to SUA.
At this point, we know no more than what the nurse said — that Spawn only has 1 umbilical artery. We’re doing our reading, praying, and processing. We’re taking it one day at a time. Our appointment for the level 2 ultrasound is in 3 days, and we’ll be busy this weekend.
Wish us luck!
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