Abstract
Vasa previa is a rare disorder in which fetal blood vessels are left unprotected in the membranes and cross the internal os of the cervix. The risk of vessel tearing causing antepartum bleeding and fetal death due to exsanguination is highly increased. Prenatal detection drastically improves fetal outcome. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the recent evidence for the use of first trimester prenatal ultrasonography to improve the detection of vasa previa. We conducted a systematic literature review in the computerized databases Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to September 2022. Two first trimester sonographic markers are associated with vasa previa later in pregnancy: umbilical cord insertion in the lower one-third of the uterine cavity and a velamentous insertion. We conclude the evaluation of the umbilical cord insertion in the first trimester is feasible, not time-consuming and may identify the population at increased risk for vasa previa.
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