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Vasa previa is a rare but life-threatening obstetric condition in which fetal blood vessels (unsupported by Wharton’s jelly) traverse the lower uterine segment or internal cervical os, placing them at risk of rupture during labor or membrane rupture.

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https://youtu.be/7tGyA-VfF2Y

These vessels are fetal, not maternal — so rupture can result in rapid fetal exsanguination and death within minutes if not recognized.

Epidemiology

Incidence:

Occurs in 1 in 2,500–5,000 pregnancies
Fetal mortality >50% if undiagnosed before labor
95% survival with antenatal diagnosis and elective cesarean

Etiopathology

Risk factors:

Velamentous cord insertion
Succenturiate/bilobate placenta
IVF pregnancies
Low-lying placenta / placenta previa
Multiple gestations

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Classification: