MFM

Question 1

What is vasa previa? How is it managed by the OB team (x3)? What are the two types?

Answer 1

Vasa previa occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels run through the amniotic membranes and traverse the cervix. Complications include fetal hemorrhage, exsanguination, or death.

Management: antenatal corticosteroids 28-32 weeks, considerations for preterm hospitalization at 30-34 weeks, and delivery at 34-37 weeks of gestation.

Two types:

Type I: Velamentous (= abnormal) cord insertion and fetal vessels that run freely within the amniotic membranes overlying the cervix or in close proximity of it (2cm from os). (Pregnancies with Low lying placentas or resolved placenta previas are at risk). 
Type II: Succenturiate(=accessory) lobe or multilobe placenta (bilobed) and fetal vessels connecting both lobes course over or in close proximity of cervix (2cm from os).
	
	See images: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Velamentous_Cord_insertion.png