Pregnancy Moment: Vasa Previa – A Two Minute Scan Can Save Two Lives

There are a few conditions that can cause rapid maternal and fetal blood loss around the time of delivery.  One such condition is: Vasa previa.  This is a relatively uncommon, but potentially life threatening condition for both Mom and a newborn baby. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/complications-of-pregnancy/vasa-previa  It occurs when the location where the umbilical cord inserts into the placenta, is positioned over the birth canal.  At the time of delivery, if the membranes are ruptured (for example when an Ob/Gyn “breaks the bag of water”), rapid bleeding can occur – putting both the lives of the mother and newborn at risk. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2235472/Niki-wants-photo-cradling-dying-baby–minute-scan-saved-him.html

Advances in color doppler ultrasound technology, over the course of the last ten (10) plus years, has made the risk of paralysis, brain damage or death from the bleeding associated with vasa previa avoidable.  If a low-lying placenta is noted on a prenatal ultrasound, this should prompt a color doppler evaluation and careful examination of the area where the umbilical cord inserts into the placenta.  When diagnosed, the treatment is nearly always a planned Cesarean Section, which will be performed between thirty-four (34) and thirty-seven (37) weeks.  A two (2) minute color Doppler test and some proper prenatal planning may save the life of both Mom and the baby.