The umbilical cord usually has one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries, surrounded and protected by Wharton's jelly. However, there is a condition in which the umbilical cord has a single umbilical artery instead of two.
The single umbilical artery is likely to occur along with other complications, such as malformations or genetic alterations, and would also be associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. Therefore, when a single umbilical artery is detected on ultrasound, the pregnant woman will be asked to undergo additional tests for evaluation.
Read the full article on: What complications related to the umbilical cord can occur? ( 66).
By Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 03/29/2023
