[Velamentous cord insertion associated with vasa praevia]

Velamentous cord insertion is a rare placental abnormality, that may be associated with vasa praevia, i.e. the presence of an umbilical vessel near the internal cervical orifice. In case of spontaneous rupture of the membranes, there is a major risk of fetal haemorrhage, which is often lethal for the unborn baby. The challenge of care is based on the prenatal diagnosis during the 2nd trimester ultrasound. In case a vasa praevia is confirmed during the 3rd trimester, elective caesarean section should be carried out prior to the onset of labour, between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Corticosteroid treatment for fetal lung maturation is recommended at 32 weeks of gestation because of the increased risk of preterm delivery. Velamentous cord insertion may be associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, death in utero, placental abnormalities.