Vasa Praevia
Vasa praevia occurs when the fetal blood vessels run from the placenta through the membranes below the presenting fetal part.
The incidence of Vasa praevia is unknown but is thought to be between 1 in 2000 and 1 in 3,000 pregnancies.
In the presence of vasa praevia spontaneous or artificial rupture of the membrane will result in fetal blood loss, with an approximate 30% risk of mortality. This can be avoided by delivering the baby by caesarean section.
This problem may be detected antenatally using a transvaginal scan. Scans performed at 23 weeks of pregnancy will detect approximately 1 in 3 cases.
Women at increased risk of vasa praevia include:
- low lying placenta or placenta praevia
- multiple pregnancies
- IVF (in-vitro fertilisation)
- history of uterine surgery or D & C
- bilobed or succenturiate placenta
- velamentous insertion of cord
You will receive a
- black and white (thermal) pictures of your baby
- a written report.
We will also ask if you would like a copy of the report sent to your GP and the NHS Hospital whose care you are under.
Please note that you do not need a GP referral.
We have a dedicated team of specialists and support staff waiting to help you.
Call us on 0121 454 7779