Vasa praevia, although a rare condition, is a serious pregnancy complication that occurs in an estimated 1 in 2,500 pregnancies. It occurs when blood vessels involved in the baby’s circulation grow along the membranes in the lower part of the uterus at the cervical opening. When the condition is not detected in advance, the blood vessels can rupture during labour.
Vasa praevia usually causes no outward symptoms during the pregnancy but colour Doppler transvaginal ultrasound can be assessed as early as the second whether vasa praevia is present. It can be useful to establish if the pregnancy is at high risk and if caesarean section is advised, to avoid unnecessary fetal morbidity and mortality in labour.
Vasa Praevia Scan
What may happen if I am found to have vasa praevia?
If the condition is seen to exist we will liaise with your healthcare team and hospital, letting them know our findings and provide them with a report, we will also organise any follow-up appointments you may need.
