Vasa previa
Vasa Previa (pronunciation: /ˈveɪsə priːˈviːə/) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy.
Etymology
The term "Vasa Previa" originates from Latin, where "vasa" means vessels and "previa" means preceding. In the context of pregnancy, it refers to the condition where the fetal blood vessels cross or run in close proximity to the internal opening of the uterus.
Definition
Vasa Previa is a complication of pregnancy in which fetal blood vessels, contained within the umbilical cord or placenta, cross over the cervix beneath the baby. These vessels are at risk of rupture when the supporting membranes rupture, as they are unsupported by the umbilical cord or placental tissue.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The condition is typically asymptomatic until the membranes rupture, which can lead to rapid fetal hemorrhage, a situation requiring immediate delivery. Diagnosis is typically made through ultrasound examination, often with the use of color Doppler.
Treatment
The primary treatment for vasa previa is delivery of the baby via Cesarean section as soon as the lungs have matured, typically around the 35th week of gestation. If vasa previa is diagnosed earlier in the pregnancy, the mother may be hospitalized for monitoring or advised to limit her activities in order to reduce the risk of membrane rupture.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasa previa
- Wikipedia's article - Vasa previa
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