As many of you know, Rachel and I are really bad at keeping secrets. But, we haven’t openly discussed an issue that we discovered during our twenty week ultrasound that occurred on December 22nd, 2008. Obviously, that is the anatomy scan where we found out that the “Masson baby” was a girl, but we also found out stressful news at that time.
One of the important tasks of the technician during the anatomy scan is to scan Lucy’s umbilical cord for the presence of three vessels: one vein (which carries oxygen and nutrients from Rachel to Lucy) and two arteries (which shuttle the waste back to Rachel, to be processed and disposed of by her kidneys). Instead of those three vessels, Lucy’s cord has only two: one vein and one artery. Two-vessel cords — also known as single umbilical artery (SUA) — occurs in 1% of single baby pregnancies and 5% of twin and multiple pregnancies. Researchers don't quite know what causes SUA, though they theorize that the second artery disappears at some point during early pregnancy.
You’re wondering “What does this all mean?” and “Is Lucy okay?” Well, let me explain more… and Yes, Lucy is okay- she’s healthy and developing as expected. BREATHE!
Upon returning home that day, of course, we immediately got on the internet to research our little two vessel cord and telephoned both Kim (who’s in nursing school and the mom of beautiful ‘premie’ twins who are now 3years old) and Sandy (one of my closest friends who is currently finishing her degree to become a Physician’s Assistant). Despite the midwife’s reassurance and numerous verbal prompts to “not worry”- Rachel and I were a WRECK! During our research, we found out that two vessel cords is the most common malformation of the umbilical cord. It does not necessarily pose a risk to Rachel or Lucy as an umbilical cord with just one artery is sufficient to support a pregnancy to term. However, SUA does increase your Lucy’s risk for certain birth defects.
Still, we were not convinced and we were nervous about the outcome and concerned about Lucy’s well-being.
But, all of the websites mentioned that the “practitioner” (i.e. our widwife) would order additional testing to rule out chromosomal and/ or birth defects, including a low birth weight, heart defects, gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, and problems with the central nervous system. Lucy’s respiratory system, urinary tract, and musculoskeletal system could also be affected. Luckily, Rachel and I had already undergone the additional testing that is common to order, the “quad screen” and the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein test). And, even more, both tests came back “normal” with no indications that Lucy was at a higher risk for chromosomal or birth defects. Thus, the next preventative measure was to go to Baystate Health (Springfield, Ma) to The Wesson Women and Infants' Unit for another “phase II” ultrasound. The only difference between an ultrasound in Greenfield at Baystate Franklin Medical versus one in Springfield is that it is monitored and reviewed by a Perinatologist on-sight. We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Michael P. Plevyak, who was very knowledgeable and helped relieve all anxieties we had prior to the appointment.
A lengthy ultrasound revealed that there weren’t any birth defects, her heart and organs were developed as expected, and he was able to conclude that Lucy was 100% healthy. In general, he would also order an echo. but Lucy was cooperative during the exam and he was able to get clear photos of her healthy little heart right there and then. Additionally, he was able to answer questions that we had regarding how the gastric bypass surgery affects Lucy’s nutritional intake and other concerns we had prior to our meeting. Overall, we were pleased with our experience and totally relieved! Following our appointment, Rachel and I went to Ruby Tuesday’s for a nibble and then we headed to Babies R Us to register.
One of the important tasks of the technician during the anatomy scan is to scan Lucy’s umbilical cord for the presence of three vessels: one vein (which carries oxygen and nutrients from Rachel to Lucy) and two arteries (which shuttle the waste back to Rachel, to be processed and disposed of by her kidneys). Instead of those three vessels, Lucy’s cord has only two: one vein and one artery. Two-vessel cords — also known as single umbilical artery (SUA) — occurs in 1% of single baby pregnancies and 5% of twin and multiple pregnancies. Researchers don't quite know what causes SUA, though they theorize that the second artery disappears at some point during early pregnancy.
You’re wondering “What does this all mean?” and “Is Lucy okay?” Well, let me explain more… and Yes, Lucy is okay- she’s healthy and developing as expected. BREATHE!
Upon returning home that day, of course, we immediately got on the internet to research our little two vessel cord and telephoned both Kim (who’s in nursing school and the mom of beautiful ‘premie’ twins who are now 3years old) and Sandy (one of my closest friends who is currently finishing her degree to become a Physician’s Assistant). Despite the midwife’s reassurance and numerous verbal prompts to “not worry”- Rachel and I were a WRECK! During our research, we found out that two vessel cords is the most common malformation of the umbilical cord. It does not necessarily pose a risk to Rachel or Lucy as an umbilical cord with just one artery is sufficient to support a pregnancy to term. However, SUA does increase your Lucy’s risk for certain birth defects.
Still, we were not convinced and we were nervous about the outcome and concerned about Lucy’s well-being.
But, all of the websites mentioned that the “practitioner” (i.e. our widwife) would order additional testing to rule out chromosomal and/ or birth defects, including a low birth weight, heart defects, gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, and problems with the central nervous system. Lucy’s respiratory system, urinary tract, and musculoskeletal system could also be affected. Luckily, Rachel and I had already undergone the additional testing that is common to order, the “quad screen” and the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein test). And, even more, both tests came back “normal” with no indications that Lucy was at a higher risk for chromosomal or birth defects. Thus, the next preventative measure was to go to Baystate Health (Springfield, Ma) to The Wesson Women and Infants' Unit for another “phase II” ultrasound. The only difference between an ultrasound in Greenfield at Baystate Franklin Medical versus one in Springfield is that it is monitored and reviewed by a Perinatologist on-sight. We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Michael P. Plevyak, who was very knowledgeable and helped relieve all anxieties we had prior to the appointment.
A lengthy ultrasound revealed that there weren’t any birth defects, her heart and organs were developed as expected, and he was able to conclude that Lucy was 100% healthy. In general, he would also order an echo. but Lucy was cooperative during the exam and he was able to get clear photos of her healthy little heart right there and then. Additionally, he was able to answer questions that we had regarding how the gastric bypass surgery affects Lucy’s nutritional intake and other concerns we had prior to our meeting. Overall, we were pleased with our experience and totally relieved! Following our appointment, Rachel and I went to Ruby Tuesday’s for a nibble and then we headed to Babies R Us to register.
I promise to post more pictures soon. Until then, be well, stay warm, and read some good books- like the one below!!!!
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The roller coaster ride of a pregnancy!
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