Anatomical Abnormality
vasa previa
Subclass of:
Obstetric Labor Complications
Definitions related to vasa previa:
  • Pregnancy complication where fetal blood vessels, normally inside the umbilical cord, are left unprotected and cross FETAL MEMBRANES. It is associated with antepartum bleeding and FETAL DEATH and STILLBIRTH due to exsanguination.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Umbilical blood vessels that have inserted into the amniotic membrane (membranous insertion) that in turn are above or adjacent to the cervical os and are at risk of rupture.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Vasa previa occurs when membranes that contain fetal blood vessels connecting the umbilical cord and placenta overlie or are within 2 cm of the internal cervical os.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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