What should you know about placenta previa vasa previa?

Placenta previa means the placenta lies close to or covers the cervical opening. Vasa previa means unprotected fetal blood vessels run near the opening, often between the baby and the membranes. The two can occur together, but one does not automatically mean the other is present.

Placenta previa may cause painless vaginal bleeding before or during labour. Vasa previa may be silent before labour, but bleeding after the membranes break is an emergency because the blood can be fetal. Detailed ultrasound with blood-flow imaging can help locate vessels and the placenta.

Ask your obstetric team exactly what was seen, whether fetal vessels are near the cervix and when imaging will be repeated. Follow advice about activity, sex and examinations. Make a clear hospital plan for contractions, bleeding or fluid loss, and keep your maternity records available.

When vasa previa persists near the birth canal, clinicians commonly plan birth before labour or membrane rupture, often by Caesarean Section. A Growth Scan may be offered if the team wants to monitor fetal growth during follow-up.

Go to urgent maternity care for any vaginal bleeding, especially after your waters break. Call emergency services for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, contractions, fluid loss or reduced fetal movement. Tell staff if the bleeding began after fluid release and do not wait for an appointment. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina while seeking instructions.

Ask: Is this placenta previa, vasa previa or both? Are any fetal vessels close to the cervix? What should I do if I have bleeding or my waters break? When should I come into hospital? When would planned Caesarean Section be discussed, and what monitoring is needed before then?