Normal development of the umbilical cord includes two arteries and a vein.
When there is only one artery the baby can be ok, but there is a
significant likelihood that the baby has some other developmental
abnormalities, usually abdominal and/or urogenital--this needs
investigation even if the baby looks normal from the outside.
--
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA