Pregnancy is a time when every mother has high hopes and is also very cautious, isn't it? Being aware of some of the complications that can occur during this time is very important for a healthy birth. Similarly, although it is not talked about often, a rare but serious condition that we should definitely be aware of is called Vasa Previa. Don't worry, let's talk about everything in simple terms.
Simply put, what is Vasa Previa?
Imagine, we know that the baby in your womb gets its oxygen and nutrition through the umbilical cord. This umbilical cord is connected to the placenta. Blood vessels from the placenta carry life to the baby through the umbilical cord.
Normally, these blood vessels are very safe inside the placenta and umbilical cord. But in the case of Vasa Previa , some of these blood vessels, which are essential for the baby, pass unprotected through or near the opening of the cervix, where the baby is born.
Imagine, it's like a highway with a bunch of blood vessels, going through an intersection without any protection. This is very dangerous , right?
When your water breaks during labor, these vulnerable blood vessels can burst. If that happens, a large amount of blood can flow out of the baby's body, potentially causing serious harm to the baby's life. This is why it is so important to detect Vasa Previa early.
What are the causes of Vasa Previa?
Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition, there are several main contributing factors.
| Cause | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Velamentous cord insertion | This is when the umbilical cord is not directly attached to the placenta, but rather to the membranes, a little further away from the placenta. This means that the blood vessels are no longer protected by a protective jelly-like substance (Wharton's jelly). Therefore, they are more likely to be damaged. |
| Bilobed placenta | Here, your placenta is divided into two equal parts (lobes) instead of one. The blood vessels that run between these two parts can also pass through the cervix. |
| Succenturiate placenta | This is similar to the one above, but here, in addition to the main placenta, a small part or several parts of the placenta develop. The blood vessels that run between this main part and the additional part can also be positioned in a dangerous way. |
Are Vasa Previa and Placenta Previa the same thing?
No. These are two completely different situations. Many people confuse the two.
- Placenta previa: This is when the placenta is located too low in the uterus, rather than at the top, completely or partially covering the cervix. This is a risk for the placenta.
- Vasa Previa: This is not a problem with the location of the placenta. The problem here is that the blood vessels from the placenta pass through the cervix. The risk here is directly to the baby's blood vessels.
An important point is that a person with Placenta Previa may have a slightly increased risk of developing Vasa Previa.
What are the symptoms of Vasa Previa?
The scary thing here is that most of the time there are no symptoms. You may not feel any discomfort or pain. That's why ultrasound scans during pregnancy are so important.
Very rarely, some people may experience dark (black) vaginal bleeding without any pain.
Who is most at risk?
Although this condition can occur in any pregnancy, the risk is slightly higher for some people.
- Having the aforementioned Plac ENT a Previa condition.
- Low-lying placenta.
- The presence of conditions such as the previously mentioned Velamentous cord insertion , Bilobed or Succenturiate placenta .
- If a pregnancy has been achieved through IVF ( In Vitro Fertilization ) technology.
- If you are carrying multiple babies, such as twins or triplets.
How to detect this condition early?
Fortunately, this condition can be diagnosed during pregnancy. Your doctor will perform further tests if this is suspected during a routine anomaly scan during pregnancy, especially between 18 and 26 weeks .
If in doubt, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound . This can clearly see the blood vessels near the cervix. It can also help confirm the location and shape of the placenta.
If diagnosed, how is it treated?
Don't be alarmed if you've been diagnosed with Vasa Previa. If detected early, it can be managed very well and you can have a healthy baby without any complications. The main goal is to keep you and your baby safe until delivery, and deliver your baby by planned C-section at the scheduled time .
Your doctor may recommend things like:
- Regularly checking the baby's well-being: Things like the baby's heartbeat are constantly monitored.
- Hospitalization: Around 30-32 weeks into your pregnancy, you may be admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring, as emergency care is needed quickly in case of an emergency.
- Corticosteroid injections: If the baby is delivered before the planned date, these injections are given to help the baby's lungs mature properly.
- Pelvic rest: You are advised to refrain from sexual intercourse and avoid inserting anything into the vagina.
- Planned C-section: The baby is delivered by a planned cesarean section, usually between 34 and 37 weeks , before the water breaks.
- Emergency C-section: If the water breaks prematurely, there is bleeding, or the baby is found to be in fetal distress, an emergency cesarean section will be performed immediately.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. They will plan what is best for you and your baby.
Take-Home Message
- Vasa Previa is a rare condition that can occur during pregnancy, but can be very serious if not diagnosed early.
- What happens here is that the baby's blood vessels pass through the cervix without any protection.
- Ultrasound scans during pregnancy are very important, as they often do not cause any symptoms .
- If this condition is detected early , managed well, and a planned cesarean section is performed , there is an almost 100 percent chance of delivering a healthy baby.
- If you have any doubts about this or if you belong to a risk group, talk to your doctor about it openly. The most important thing is to be armed with the right knowledge, not afraid.
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