Yesterday, we did the Sophie's Walk for Vasa Previa in honour of my sister's twin boy that died at birth in 2005. This year it was organized by Mike and Amanda who also lost a baby girl last year.
Vasa previa is rare condition, one in every 2,500. If it goes undetected, it has a high fetal mortality of 50% to 90% because of the hemorrhage that occurs when the vessels are torn when the membranes rupture, either at labour or delivery. Some of the risk factors include a low-lying placenta, placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, in-vitro fertilization pregnancies, a history of uterine surgery, painless bleeding or a D&C. A D&C is considered a risk factor as this procedure has the potential to cause uterine scarring. Anything that can cause uterine scarring can potentially cause a low-lying placenta which is the main risk factor for vasa previa as velamentous cord insertion and multi-lobed placentas are thought to develop as a low-lying placenta moves up.
Suggested management for women with vasa previa includes hospitalization in the third trimester and delivery by c-section at 35 weeks. It can be seen with the help of a trained technician and the use of transvaginal sonography. However, strongly suggest to your doctor to send you to a location, such as a hospital, where they can combine the use of a color Doppler as this increases the chances of detecting it immensely.
To learn more check out the sites below:
