What does vasa previa feel like?

Some women have painless vaginal bleeding that is dark in color. Because your baby’s blood doesn’t have as much oxygen in it as yours does, it appears darker. In vasa previa that hasn’t been found before labor, the symptoms include vaginal bleeding after your membranes rupture. Your baby may also have a slow heartbeat.

Is vasa previa considered high risk?

Vasa previa is an extremely rare, but severe, complication of pregnancy. In vasa previa, some fetal umbilical cord blood vessels run across or very close to the internal opening of the cervix. These vessels are inside the membranes, unprotected by the umbilical cord or the placenta.

Do you have to be hospitalized for vasa previa?

Unfortunately, no. If you are diagnosed with vasa praevia during pregnancy, your healthcare professional may advise you to stay in hospital from 30-32 weeks until the end of your pregnancy as a precaution.

Is vasa previa painful?

The classic presentation of vasa previa is painless vaginal bleeding, rupture of membranes, and fetal bradycardia.

Does vasa previa require bed rest?

The management of vasa previa aims to allow the pregnancy to progress for as long as possible. Some cases may require hospitalization for close monitoring and bed rest. Cesarean delivery between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy may also be recommended.

Is vasa previa rare?

Vasa previa is a rare condition where the fetal vessels run within the membranes in close proximity to the internal os. It is one of the important but rare causes of antepartum hemorrhage (APH) where the fetal distress is disproportionate to the amount of bleeding. Its incidence varies from 1:1275 to 1:.

Can you masturbate with vasa previa?

According to VeryWell, moms-to-be with placenta previa may be advised to avoid masturbation, as orgasms can cause uterine contractions and bleeding as a result of the opening of the cervix.

Can vasa previa be misdiagnosed?

Placental lakes When these are seen adjacent to or above the cervix it may be mistaken for vasa praevia. However, technically this is within the placental tissue and therefore qualifies for a low lying placenta, or placenta praevia if in the third trimester.

Can you travel with vasa previa?

Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication in which blood vessels from the umbilical cord lie over the cervix, an area that the baby passes through during delivery. These ves- sels may travel through the membranes (or amniotic sac) around the baby rather than going directly into the pla- centa.

What do I do if I have vasa previa?

Women are usually given a corticosteroid to help the fetus’s lungs mature. If vasa previa does not cause any complications, doctors often plan to deliver the baby between 34 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, delivery can be earlier if the woman or fetus is in danger.

Can vasa previa cause birth defects?

Vasa previa is a rare cause of APH which presents catastrophic complication to the fetus. In vasa previa, fetal vessels run through the membranes and are at risk of rupture with consequent fetal exsanguination.

What should you not do on pelvic rest?

Pelvic rest is different than bed rest, so you are still able to do all of your normal day-to-day activities. You just want to be careful to avoid having sex or placing any unnecessary strain in the pelvic area.