Counseling and Educating About Vasa Previa Using Intraoperative Photographs of Vessel Rupture: A Case Report

Vasa previa describes vessels that are unprotected by Wharton's jelly and traverse over or near the endocervix. Rupture of membranes or labor increases the risk of vessel rupture, followed by rapid fetal exsanguination. Learners are often taught to manage this condition by case scenarios and simulations. We present a case of type I vasa previa where intraoperative photographs demonstrate the potentially catastrophic rupture of membranes into the unprotected fetal vessels during a scheduled cesarean delivery. We recommend using intraoperative photographs to educate learners and counsel patients on the potential acuity inherent to this condition.