Pregnancy is a very sensitive phase, filled with emotional ups and downs and significant hormonal changes. As your body transforms to support your growing baby, certain complications may arise along the way. One such rare but serious complication is called vasa previa. Hearing this might worry you, but don’t panic or jump to conclusions. Instead, take a moment to read this blog and understand what vasa previa really is, how it can be diagnosed early, and what treatment options are available to keep you and your baby safe.
What Is Vasa Previa?
Vasa previa is a rare but serious pregnancy condition where foetal blood vessels (either arteries or veins) run through the membranes without protection from the placenta or umbilical cord. These vessels lie over or very close to the cervix (the opening to the birth canal). It’s important to understand that vasa previa only refers to unprotected vessels. If the vessels are within the umbilical cord or covered by the placenta, they are not considered vasa previa.
Why is it Dangerous during Pregnancy?
Because these exposed vessels are not cushioned or protected, they are highly vulnerable to rupture, especially during labour or when the membranes (water sac) break. If these vessels rupture, it can lead to rapid blood loss from the baby (foetal exsanguination), resulting in stillbirth or neonatal death.
Did you know? A full-term foetus has only about 300 mL of total blood. Even a small amount of blood loss can be life-threatening. |
When Is Vasa Previa Identified?
Vasa previa can now be detected during pregnancy, typically in the second trimester, through prenatal ultrasonography. Once identified, a planned caesarean delivery before the water breaks can significantly improve survival rates, reducing the risk of sudden foetal death.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Vasa previa is referred to as a silent complication in pregnancy. Because in many cases vasa previa does not show any noticeable symptoms. This is usually observed in the routine ultrascan, especially when using colour Doppler imaging in the second trimester.
Sometimes, a few women may experience painless vaginal bleeding that might be darker red than usual. It indicates that the bleeding is from the baby’s blood vessels, not your own.
Causes and Risk Factors
In a typical pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects your baby to the placenta, and the blood vessels inside it are protected by a special cushioning substance. During pregnancy and delivery, this setup protects the vessels from pressure, twisting, or injury.
But in vasa previa, something different happens.
The baby’s blood vessels are exposed, and instead of being safely tucked within the cord or placenta, they travel through the membranes and lie very close to or directly over the cervix.
How Is Vasa Previa Diagnosed?
During your pregnancy, especially around 18 to 26 weeks (mid-trimester), your doctor performs an ultrasound to check the location of the placenta, the position of the umbilical cord, and the relationship of blood vessels to the cervix. If the baby's blood vessels are seen running close to or over the cervix and not protected by the placenta or umbilical cord your doctor may suspect vasa previa.
Vasa previa is confirmed when an arterial vessel is seen over or near the cervix. Colour Doppler shows a heartbeat rate matching the foetus. The vessel is clearly within the membranes (not a different structure like a marginal vein or funic presentation)
How Is Vasa Previa Treated After Diagnosis?
If your doctor finds that you have vasa previa, don’t panic. It can be managed safely with the right care. Your doctor will plan a C-section delivery before labor starts, because labor could put your baby at serious risk.
Here’s what your care plan might include:
Regular Baby Check-Ups (Non-Stress Tests)
These tests are safe and painless. They are done twice a week. These are simple tests to check your baby’s heart rate and make sure your baby is doing well.
Steroid Injections
Your doctor might give you steroid shots to help your baby’s lungs develop faster. This is helpful in case your baby needs to be born a little early.
Staying in the Hospital Before Delivery
In some cases, your doctor might ask you to stay in the hospital during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This helps them keep a close watch and act quickly if needed especially if:
• You live far from the hospital
• You’ve had signs of early labour.
• You have other health concerns
Planned C-Section (Between 34 and 37 Weeks)
Your doctor will schedule a C-section before labour begins, usually between 34 and 37 weeks.
This is done early to avoid the risk of the baby’s blood vessels tearing during labour.
Sometimes, babies born a little early may need some care in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), but with good planning, most babies do very well.
Final Thoughts
Vasa previa may sound alarming, especially during such an emotional and delicate time as pregnancy. But knowledge is power, and understanding this rare condition can make all the difference. Vasa previa can be detected early, giving healthcare providers the chance to plan a safe delivery well before any danger arises. With regular monitoring, timely intervention, and a carefully scheduled C-section, the outcome for both mother and baby is often very positive.
If you're pregnant, the best thing you can do is attend all your routine scans, ask questions, and speak up if you notice any unusual symptoms. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Your healthcare team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and healthy arrival for your baby.