The cord inserted into the membranes of the amniotic sac rather than the placenta. Visually, the cord at the insertion point is much thinner than normal and attaches in finger-like tentacles rather than a solid mass. This condition occurs in only 1.1% of singleton pregnancies (occurring slightly more frequently in with multiples).
In pregnancies where Velamentous Cord insertion is present, babies are at an increased risk for Intrauterine Growth Retardation, preterm labor, congentital anamalies and fetal bleeding due to Vasa Previa (which carries a 75-100% infant mortality rate). Pretty darn scary.
Most cases of VCI are undiagnosed because regular examinations of the cord insertion point are not performed via ultrasound. In many cases a regular vaginal delivery is contraindicated because of the presence of vasa previa and cesarean section must be performed no later than 35 weeks. In a normal vaginal delivery the blood vessels in the amniotic sac may rupture, if they pass over the opening of the cervix (Vasa Previa), putting the babies live at risk. Also, if the OB decides to rupture your membranes artificially he may rupture the blood vessels as well. Delivery of the placenta following birth tends to be more difficult with VCI. I did NOT have Vasa Previa. If I had, I could not be snuggling my little guy this very minute.
Some risk factors for VCI, placenta previa, and Vasa Previa include; multiple pregnancies, in-vitro fertilization pregnancies, a history of uterine surgery, painless bleeding or a D&C.
I wish I would have known earlier in my pregnancy that I had VCI...this could have so easily gone very wrong.
3 comments:
Wow! It is such a blessing that your little guy is safely in your arms and that everything went well!
Wow, it's been so long since I have been on blogger, I didn't even know your little guy was born. Congratulations! HE is BEAUTIFUL! Newborns don't usually look so perfect. Anyway, thank you so much for the advice--I need all the help i can get. This mommy stuff doesn't come as naturally to me as I would like. I will definitely look into that sleep philosophy--thanks for sharing. Also, we have gotten out of going out just the two of us. I KNOW we need to go on more dates. We have only left Clay once since he was born. That was for a couple hours on our anniversary. It was soooo nice... I loved the post where your daughter was painting Zak's face. So cute! Hope you are doing well with two. I think i am going to wait ten years for the next ;)
we are so glad that you and baby are safe. Thank the Lord for everyday miracles! :)
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