Advise Needed - How to Stop Worrying!

As long as the baby doesn't have any other abnormalities, which there are other disorders that go hand in hand with a two vessel cord, the most danger will come at the time of birth. The umbilical cord is designed with three vessels, the third being a sort of back up for a rough labor. Many healthy babies are born with a two vessel cord. My neighbor and another acquaintance both had healthy babies with two vessel cords.

my girlfriend had a child with a 2 vessel cord. the child is totally normal.

remember not too long ago we didnt have ultrasounds to find out about the cord or anything else... moms didnt know the gender or anything else about the baby until it was born.

Stop worrying.. you will be followed closely for the rest of the pregnancy. Even if you do deliver early.. (which is not that likely) the baby is far enough along to do fine. it is just the 24 week preemies- weighing about a pound that really have problems.

If delivering early is the worst case scenario...try to remember that you are past a very strong viability point! The chances of an early delivery being the cause of any problems is really low!

Hope that helps you!

~L.

Hi M.-- gosh, I can't tell you to not worry...I understand, even if the docs are saying DON'T WORRY-- how can you not? We are MOTHERS! That is our JOB! But seriously...if they thought there was any serious concern, the docs would have you on bed rest and would let you know that there was a real concern. I had the BPPs 2x a week with my recent pregnancy b/c the baby had a low heart rate. I just convinced myself all was fine and it was great to see the baby every week like that! :)I learned that if there is something to really worry about, they will tell you. Legally, to avoid lawsuits (sad but true), they have to really be thorough when there is any sign of a slight problem. So then we get worried and start freaking out...but it is really nothing to worry about...see what I mean? I'm sure all is fine with your baby and you will be at your 40th week wishing that sweet angel would come out already (hehe!)...

Best wishes!

Hi,
I am a nurse that works in a Level 2A Nursery. Your 32 week boy was either in one like the one I work or possibly in a level 3, NICU. A lot of the time 2 vessels are just fine to provide enough blood flow to the baby. They will probaby watch the baby's kidneys as they may be effected. I am sure you will soon be the mother of your 5th beautiful baby. Calm your self each time they are doing any testing by keeping in mind that your baby is being very closely watched and you will know if there is something wrong versus those who don't have testing. Best wishes and Congratulations a little early!

There's no way to tell a person how to stop worrying. I can however, share my story, maybe it will help (and maybe not). I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). My first pregnancy was a text book pregnancy. Everything was great the whole way through. Had some issues with a lot of contractions at the end, that did go away, and was induced 10 days early.

My second pregancy started out text book and we thought everything was going to be great. At 6 months my MS came out of remission and I started having a lot of problems. My neurologist pulled me out of work and put me on limited activity (very weird for him as he doesn't condone laziness). Both my OB and Neuro said not to worry. At the same time, my OB ordered a stress test for 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday). A few weeks into that I began receiving steroids for the MS. By the time I was at 36 weeks I had an amnio to determine if her lungs were strong enough (two courses of steroids later) and I was induced that afternoon. I was the only new mom who had an IV in her arm and couldn't really do much for myself - but we were all okay. Did I worry through it all, definitly. The nurses who took care of me at the High Risk practice I was sent to for stress tests were great. I asked every time if everything looked okay. The slightest contraction had me concerned. I worried about everything and didn't push myself to much at home (hard with an 18 month). Besides a little reflux issue, which she grew out of, she's fine today (3.5 years later).

You need to trust the doctors, they won't deliver your son early unless there is a valid reason or if he is ready to deliver (lungs are mature). In the mean time, even though they will tell you to worry - you will, it's just normal.

Alright, M...here it is in a nutshell..God is in control! I know that it's easier to say "stop worrying" than actually doing it, but also realize that the extra stress you are putting on yourself by worrying about something that is out of your hands will actually put more stress and anxiety on your body and your baby. You cannot stop worrying simply by turning it off..you must calmly realize a few things..a. you have other children that need your support for them during this period b. your other children are watching your reactions c. you need to have faith in God as He does know what's best for you and your family! Are you going to therapy or counseling at all? You are a single mother..how does your significant other feel? Do you support one another? God bless..L.-Michigan

As soon as you get pregers there is no stopping the worrying... You worry that something will be wrong, go wrong, happen to the baby, happen to the toddler, preteen, teenager, adult, grandkids.
Comfort yourself with the fact that your drs are aware of this issue and are keeping on top of it. If they say its not that big of a deal do your own research (asking this question counts as research) and ask lots of questions of the drs. But know that you will worry for the rest of your life about this child. :-) Your a mom.

Good morning M.. Please stop worrying. My son had 2 blood vessels in his umbilical cord and is just fine. He was full term (induced 3 days after due date) and weighed 9lb 9oz. My OB didn't treat my pregnancy any different either. It may have been on her mind, but I didn't have to have extra ultrasounds or anything.
As hard as it is, please relax because your stress will probably have more of an affect.
Good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and Merry Christmas!
E. Y
Grand Rapids, MI

It is normal to worry! When ever they tell you something could be wrong, you prepare yourself for the worst. I would be a basket case. I was worried enough through my pregnancy about something happenng, without being told there could eb a problem. All I can say is put it in God's hands and trust the Doctors to keep you and your soon to be new baby safe and healthy. Good luck!

Congrats on the upcoming addition to your family! We had this with our first son, and we were very nervous. He grew wonderfully (ended up being delivered at 8lb. 15 oz.). We tried not to worry and enjoyed the extra ultrasounds we had (we found out earlier than 32 weeks). Since you're having the extra tests, the doctors would know ASAP if something were wrong. We were told the baby might just be a little smaller than usual, but definitely not true in our case! Main advice - don't worry, enjoy the next few weeks, and good luck with everything! =)

Hi M., All I can tell you is make sure you deliver at a good hospital that has a staff of doctors AND nurses with experience in this area. Do your own research and ask a lot of questions. Babies born with 2 vessels can be fine but up to 50% can have complications so just be prepared and ask questions and make them check your baby throughly!!!! More than likley your baby will be healthy and perfect, but a mother is always cautious! Good luck and you will be in my prayers!

L.

M. ~
I'm an OB nurse and we see this often. We check every baby for how many vessels they have in their cord. Sometimes after birth, the pediatrician may order an ultrasound of the kidneys, but that depends on your pediatrician. If the baby is urinating well, they may not order it. Your doctor will keep track of the baby's growth with non-stress tests either once or twice a week...really simple - you go in, they hook you up to the monitor and they watch for at least 20 minutes. They are looking to see if the baby's heartbeat goes up when it's active, so you will push a little button every time you feel movement.
I'm sure everything will be fine!
D.

First of all IF you have to deliver early, your baby will be ok. My son was born at 32 weeks. He is in kindergarden right now and doing well... not to say there are no issues but nothing terrible. Don't worry. If you worry, it will just make things worse. The doctors know what they are doing. I had my son at 32 weeks due to toxemia as well as my baby being small for gestational age. The placenta did not grow and it stopped working. The BPP and the NST will give the doctors a good idea of the health of your baby. If they notice things are not going well they will deliver your baby. Babies born after 32 weeks have a high chance of survival. You will be ok. Try not to worry. No advice on how to stop worrying. It comes with the job right?

After my mom delivered me, they discovered that I, too, only had 2 blood vessels in my cord (no fancy ultrasounds to help discover that beforehand!!!). I was 9lbs, 9ozs, and 23 inches long. If the doc thinks it'll be ok, I'm sure it will.

Hi, M.. I read this and was immediately like " I Need to email her back". Last Feb. my friend, Rebecca, was told at just about the same duration that her baby only had 2 blood vessels and totally freaked her out. They told her all the same info that you heard and they also told her to see a genetic counselor. The list of problems possible was long and scary. And you know what, she delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy right on her due date without any complications. They opted out of that gentic counselor appointment (since most will tell you your "options" with abortion being one of them and usually stress you out with how bad everything could be) and she told her doc. that she was prolife and was going to attempt to enjoy her pregnancy. I'm fairly certain that the dr. was understanding and good with that (and helped by not overwhelming her more). You may need to take a little stand and express that you're going to love your baby no matter what and go through all the tests or whatever to ensure a safe birth but that you don't want to be overly discouraged all the time.
I'll be praying that God will be your peace and remind you in tangible ways that He is with you!
God bless,
J.

I had the same issue with my last baby girl, 10 years ago. I was also concerned. Especially after the birth. I wanted her checked for EVERYTHING before I took her home. But, I had and still have a very healthy and active daughter. Your going to worry. I worried during my other two terms that this was not an issue too. But, it may mean nothing, just like in my case. Try not to worry unless you KNOW that there IS something to worry about.

Hope this helps
C.

A friend of mine had boy/girl twins 5 years ago and the girl only had 2 blood vessels. They were born 10 weeks early at 30 weeks. The girl is small for her age but other then that totally normal! I know it's easier said then done....but don't worry! Your baby will be fine. Even if you were to deliver today the baby will more then likely be fine. You are in the home stretch, relax and get ready for that bundle of joy :-)