Perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies with a single umbilical artery

Abstract

Objective: To analyze perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies with a single umbilical artery (SUA) as an isolated finding with no other underlying disorders.

Methods: This retrospective observational study compared a group of pregnancies with SUA (n = 127) and a group with a normal 3-vessel umbilical cord (n = 27 752). The study variables comprised maternal and obstetric characteristics and perinatal outcomes.

Results: The frequency of SUA was 0.45%. Pregnancies with SUA ended more frequently with cesarean delivery, and had a higher risk that the indication for cesarean delivery was non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR). Neonates in the SUA group had a lower weight for gestational age, and a higher risk of low umbilical cord blood pH.

Conclusion: Obstetricians should monitor fetal growth closely in pregnancies with SUA, and be alert to NRFHR during labor and delivery.

• Perinatal outcomes
• single umbilical artery
• singleton pregnancy
• umbilical cord

Acknowledgements

We thank the midwives at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital for their help with data collection. We thank K. Shashok for translating the original manuscript into English.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.