Vasa praevia Health Dictionary

Vasa Praevia: From 1 Different Sources


an uncommon but potentially disastrous complication of delivery, occurring in about 1 in 5000 deliveries, when unprotected fetal vessels run across the *lower uterine segment and cervix in front of the presenting part of the fetus. It is associated with a velamentous insertion of the cord (where the umbilical cord inserts directly into the membranes rather than the placenta) and in cases with normal cord insertion when the vessels run between the two lobes of a bilobed placenta. Vessels unsupported by placental tissue or the umbilical cord can tear when the cervix dilates or the membranes rupture, causing rapid fetal haemorrhage. Immediate Caesarean section to save the baby from *exsanguination is indicated. Fetal mortality for cases not recognized before the onset of labour is very high; appropriate use of prenatal ultrasonography may prevent perinatal death.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Placenta Praevia

Implantation of the PLACENTA in the bottom part of the UTERUS adjacent to or over the CERVIX. The condition may cause few problems during pregnancy or labour; it may, however, cause vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy or hinder vaginal delivery of the baby and this may necessitate obstetric intervention.... placenta praevia

Vasa Efferentia

E?erent seminal ducts of the testis (see TESTICLE); these carry SEMEN from the testis to the head of the EPIDIDYMIS.... vasa efferentia

Vasa Vasorum

pl. n. the tiny arteries and veins that supply the walls of blood vessels.... vasa vasorum



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