Velamentous Umbilical Cord Insertion and Ruptured Fetal Vessel: A Cause of Fetal-Maternal Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Fetal hemorrhage is rare but can result in rapid fetal compromise. Abnormally located fetal vessels within the membranes increase the risk for their rupture and subsequent hemorrhage. The classic example of this is vasa previa.

We present a case of acute fetal hemorrhage resulting from a ruptured fetal vessel. During induction of labor, significant fetal heart rate deceleration occurred, coinciding with acute vaginal bleeding and amniotomy. A depressed, live female neonate was delivered by emergency cesarean section. Examination of the placenta revealed a velamentous cord insertion and a ruptured fetal vessel coursing through the chorioamniotic membranes. Neonatal resuscitation included red blood cell transfusion for hypotension and low hematocrit. The neonate made a full recovery.

Acute fetal hemorrhage from the rupture of aberrant fetal vessels often coincides with rupture of membranes. Identifying ruptured fetal vessels abnormally coursing through the chorioamniotic membranes on examination of the placenta provides supporting evidence for suspected fetal hemorrhage.