Re: Why was I born with a 'y-shaped umbilical cord?'

Hi Stefanie, 
Well, even I had a tough time looking for your answer!!!
A 'y' shaped umbilical cord could have two possibilities, from what I 
gathered:
1. presence of a twin with a bifurcation of the umbilical cord
2. a bifurcation of the umbilical cord with attachment on the placenta at 
two different sites

Lets take them one by one... First, the case of the twin.
What normally happens is that twins have different placentas and 
different umbilical cords. But it may also happen that there might be a 
single placenta. In such a scenario, there are again two possibilities - 
that the two umbilical cords attach at different sites on the placenta or 
they attach at the same site. The second instance is when you get a 'Y' 
shaped umbilical cord, and such cases have been found with conjoined 
twins - which are rare, but not impossible.

Lets see the next option - bifurcation of the umbilical cord. Now, this 
is a very rare case. What happens embryologically is not exactly known, 
but the vessels in the umbilical cord bifurcate, and attach themselves at 
two different sites on the placenta (see pic below)


So, from what you have mentioned, it seems as if this is what might have 
been the case... And it is a rarity!!! 

As to why this happens - well, no one knows - one of the various quirks 
of nature, is all I can suggest!!!

Hope this answers your query
Thanks
Dr Ankur Shah