Antepa rtum diagnosis of vasa praevia-report of a case causing sudden foetal death

Abstract

A case of sudden foetal death due to vasa praevia is reported. The main problem is early ante-partum diagnosis. Three methods are discussed. (1) Tests to recognize foetal blood as a routine in ante-partum haemorrhage; (2) amnioscopy before amniotomy; in foetal irregularity or bradycardia; in ante-partum haemorrhage; (3) tests for foetal bradycardia in early labour as a part of the routine abdominal examination. Introduction Vasa praevia is a rare obstetric complication which must be kept in mind as a rare cause of antepartum haemorrhage. Less than a hundred cases Reprint requests to: Dr C. S. Pallewela, Hemel Hempstead General Hospital, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.