An intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (UVV) is uncommon and occurs in about 1 in 2,300 pregnancies. UVV is a dilation of the fetal umbilical veins (of 9 mm or greater) as it runs through the fetal abdomen. At delivery, blood-flow through the umbilical vein stops and therefore UVV does not cause problems for the baby after delivery. Since UVV can be associated with certain problems for the fetus, we recommend additional evaluation and testing.

We recommend every patient have a complete anatomy scan, a fetal echocardiogram, frequent assessments of the varix depending on its size and antenatal testing twice weekly.

Learn more about the umbilical cord.