Vasa Praevia

• Vasa Praevia occurs when one or more of the baby’s placental or umbilical blood vessels are unprotected / run across the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby.
• When the cervix dilates or the membranes rupture, the unprotected vessels can tear, causing rapid fetal haemorrhage.
• When the baby drops into the pelvis, the vessels can be compressed, compromising the baby’s blood supply and causing oxygen deprivation.

Please see the sub-tabs above to learn more about the different types of Vasa Praevia, occurrence rates, warning signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and colour doppler ultrasound.