Q: We are expecting our first baby in three months time. My wife is 25 years old. Ultrasound scanning after 23 weeks said that the baby is normal. But the doctors mentioned the detection of a single umbilical artery. Doctor advised one more scan after 27 weeks saying that there are chances of abnormalities in the baby with this condition. Is there a risk of any kind? Is single umbilical artery a common condition? What precautions are to be taken to avoid any possible risk?

A:Single umbilical artery, if definitely diagnosed, should be then looked into furher detail to rule out any chromosomal defect or morphological defect in the foetus.