What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Vasa Praevia

What is Vasa Previa? (Definition/Background Information)

• Vasa Previa is a condition wherein the blood vessels of the developing fetus occur near the cervical outlet of the uterus. These blood vessels can damage and bleed potentially causing stillbirth, if the condition is not immediately recognized and emergency treatment administered
• Multiple pregnancies, umbilical cord insertion abnormalities, and accessory placental lobes are some of the risks for the condition
• The signs and symptoms of Vasa Previa may include vaginal bleeding, rupture of membrane, and decreased heartbeat of the fetus
• The condition may be diagnosed by a physical examination, evaluation of complete medical history, and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. However, the presence of the 3 classic symptoms of Vasa Previa can help confirm the diagnosis
• Vasa Previa requires appropriate treatment for a successful prognosis. An emergency C-section delivery can help save the baby
• Currently, Vasa Previa is a condition that cannot be prevented

Who gets Vasa Previa? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Vasa Previa is a condition that is observed during pregnancy. It may occur in pregnant women of all ages
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Vasa Previa? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Vasa Previa include:

• Twin and multiple pregnancies
• Velamentous, marginal, or furcate insertion of umbilical cord
• The presence of accessory placental lobe (succenturia placenta)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Vasa Previa? (Etiology)

• Vasa Previa is caused by the abnormal localization of the fetal blood vessels near the outlet of the cervix
• Some researchers believe that an abnormal development of the placental tissue may result in the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Vasa Previa?

The signs and symptoms of Vasa Previa may include:

• Painless vaginal bleeding
• Membrane rupture (also known as ‘water breaking’)
• Decreased fetal heart rate (fetal bradycardia)

A combination of the above signs and symptoms form the classic triad of Vasa Previa.

How is Vasa Previa Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Vasa Previa may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• The presence of the classic triad of vaginal bleeding that is painless, rupture of membrane, and reduced heart rate of the fetus is indicative of Vasa Previa
• Prenatal ultrasound scan, which may reveal blood vessels in the cervix

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Vasa Previa?

Complications due to Vasa Previa may include:

• Decreased blood flow to the developing fetus, which can result in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus
• Spontaneous abortions or miscarriages
• Stillbirths due to rupture of blood vessels during early labor
• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth can result in fetal mortality
• Compression of the blood vessels can cause fetal distress

How is Vasa Previa Treated?

• There is no specific treatment available for Vasa Previa
• Treatment is directed towards managing the fetal complications associated with this condition. An emergency cesarean section can help save the child, if there is early rupture of the membrane
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of Vasa Previa is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Vasa Previa be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Vasa Previa
• If the ultrasound scan indicates the presence of blood vessels in the cervix during pregnancy, then careful monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary and vital for a successful outcome
• Complications may be avoided during delivery by considering an elective cesarean section (C-section) surgery

What is the Prognosis of Vasa Previa? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Vasa Previa is good with appropriate treatment
• Without treatment, the baby may die due to the complications that develop

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Vasa Previa:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/