This disorder exposes the fetus to increased risk of death-Vasa Previa

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Vasa previa is one of the uncommon pregnancy and birth complications arising from the trapping of the umbilical cord or pregnant mother placenta within the opening of the birth canal and the fetus.

This disorder exposes the fetus to increased risk of death from loss of blood as a result of the ripping of the blood vessel when the fetal membranes get ruptured and shortage of oxygen supply in the course of labor and delivery.

Early awareness of the rare condition before the commencement of labor increases the survival rate of the fetus.

Symptoms
Most of the symptoms become known during the process of labor or after stillbirth. Here are some of the common symptoms.

Darker red blood color due to low levels of oxygen
Membrane rupture
Fetal heart rate becoming low
Painless bleeding of the vagina

Causes
This condition is common in pregnant women who experienced any of the following medical conditions:

Insufficient provision of nutrients to the placenta
Partial or complete placenta previa condition
Assisted reproductive technology pregnancy especially In vitro fertilization (IVF)
History of caesarean section delivery

Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be done as early as the second trimester using:

Prenatal ultrasonography
Transvaginal ultrasonography
Doppler color flow mapping

Treatment

Cesarean section delivery
Blood transfusion for the baby if there is membrane rupture
Frequent use of ultrasound to assess the cervix
Hospitalization of both the mother and the baby
Use of medication such as steroids to support the development of the lungs of the baby delivered prematurely.

Possible Complications

Velamentous cord insertion: a condition where the umbilical cord of the fetus fails to insert into the placenta, rather, it inserts into the fetal membranes thereby increasing the risk of rupturing.

Low lying of part of the placenta