Abstract
Velamentous insertion of the cord is defined as insertion of the umbilical cord into membranes before it enters the placenta. It occurs in 1% of singleton pregnancies. Vasa praevia occurs when the amniotic membrane with the velamentous vessels covers the cervical os. Its incidence is 1/2000 to 1/3000 but when it happens prenatal mortality is between 30%-100% from rupture of vessels and fetal exsanguination. Prenatal diagnosis and early delivery by Caesarean section at 36 weeks improve fetal outcome.
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