During the sixth to eighth weeks of development, the IVC forms through the selective fusion and degeneration of these embryonic vessels. The sacrocardinal veins give rise to the common iliac veins and the distal end of the IVC. The right subcardinal vein gives rise to the renal segment of the IVC, as well as to the renal and gonadal veins. The right vitelline vein gives rise to the hepatic segment of the IVC. The supracardinal veins give rise to the azygous and hemiazygos veins. (According to some sources, the right supracardinal vein also contributes to the infrarenal segment of the IVC.)

As a result of this process, the entire IVC normally lies medial to the ureter. If, however, the right posteriorcardinal vein persists to form the renal segment of the IVC, then the ureter will lie medial and posterior to the IVC in the renal segment, causing it to take a retrocaval course.