Question
Is a single umbilical artery serious? Will it affect the baby’s development?
Answer
Condition Analysis: Normally, a fetus has two umbilical arteries, but if there is only one, it is called a single umbilical artery. This condition is relatively rare in humans, and the exact cause is not yet fully understood. A single umbilical artery is usually considered one of the markers of fetal abnormal development, but it does not itself imply that the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities or other issues. Guidance: A single umbilical artery is included in the ultrasound screening program due to its associated risks. The presence of a single umbilical artery does not necessarily indicate that the fetus has a problem. Most fetuses with a single umbilical artery are healthy after birth. If other indicators in the ultrasound examination are normal, then the risk of a single umbilical artery is the same as that of a normal fetus.