Vasa previa Flashcards
What is vasa previa?
Vasa previa is a rare obstetric complication that occurs during pregnancy when fetal blood vessels cross or run very close to the internal opening of the cervix.
In vasa previa the fetal blood vessels branch out from the umbilical cord and course through the amniotic membranes in close proximity to the cervix.
These exposed blood vessels can rupture when the cervix begins to dilate or during labor, leading to severe fetal hemorrhage.
Usually diagnosed during pregnancy through ultrasound examination, particularly if certain risk factors are present, such as a low-lying placenta or a velamentous cord insertion (where the umbilical cord attaches to the membranes rather than the placenta itself).
Management typically involves a planned cesarean section before labor begins to avoid rupture of the blood vessels during vaginal delivery.
