When we went to the doctor after finding out there could be issues with Mabee an extensive ultrasound showed a list of concerns. The most daunting was the amount of fluid on her brain (hydrocephalus) -- about 50 percent more fluid than the "danger area" where doctors begin to worry. They also noticed that her right kidney was dilated and holding fluid, most likely due to a blockage. The long bones in her legs were on the short side of normal, and her hands seemed to be deformed in some way. And, as the original ultrasound indicated, the nuchal fold on the back of the neck was much too thick. The ultrasound also showed that the umbilical cord going to Mabee only has two vessels -- one artery and one vein -- while a normal cord has two arteries to carry in blood, oxygen and nutrients.
A two-vessel cord is not terribly uncommon -- about 1 in 100 children have it while in the womb. But it can cause slow development for the child due to the lower volume of blood coming in.
A two-vessel cord is not terribly uncommon -- about 1 in 100 children have it while in the womb. But it can cause slow development for the child due to the lower volume of blood coming in.