Risk Factors for Vasa Previa

Primary Risk Factors

Velamentous cord insertion, where the umbilical cord inserts into the membranes rather than directly into the placenta, creating unprotected fetal vessels that can traverse the cervix, is a significant risk factor, as noted by the American College of Radiology 1, 2
Multiple gestations, such as twin pregnancies, have a higher frequency of velamentous cord insertion and consequently vasa previa, according to the American College of Radiology 1, 2, 3

Prior uterine surgery, including cesarean delivery and other procedures that may affect placentation, is a risk factor, as reported by the American College of Radiology 4, 5

Evaluation of placental cord insertion site during the 20-week anatomy scan can help identify cases at risk, and special attention should be paid to the placenta, umbilical cords, and cervix during anatomical survey of multiple gestations, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1, 3

Digital pelvic examination without first excluding vasa previa can trigger vessel rupture, as warned by medical guidelines 7