Velamentous cord insertion (VCI)

texgal79

At my 21-week appt yesterday, my OB reviewed the results of our A/S scan and told me she saw that I have something called "velamentous cord insertion" (VCI). This is when the umbilical cord inserts on the membrane beside the placenta (instead of directly into it) and then runs, via "extension cord"-like vessels, into the placenta. The main risk factor with VCI is that the baby can kick or pull the umbilical cord from the membrane insertion site and the vessels connecting it to the placenta could rupture, because they are exposed and not covered in the Wharton's jelly. it can also restrict growth for the baby if it is not getting and adequate blood or nutrient supply. 

Has anyone else had this show up? It's apparently very rare and often not diagnosed until after delivery, when they examine the placenta. My OB was very casual and low-key about it, and said they would do another full scan at 30 weeks to check it. I wasn't worried... until I started Googling last night... which was a TERRIBLE idea!! It looks like I will need extra monitoring going forward, to see if the baby is growing properly, and may have to have a C-section early. (I have to have one anyway due to prior surgical history.) I called my OB back this morning with a list of questions I want to talk through with her, but haven't heard back yet.

emailanna

We found out after delivery that my son had this. He was born full term and perfectly healthy. I did have a little trouble delivering the placenta...needed a shot of pitocin ( after a natural birth). They pulled the cord a bit as I was attempting to deliver the placenta and the cord began separating a bit. This caused some bleeding but nothing that required any further intervention. It was only then after delivery that we say it was attached off to the side (velamentous). Stop googling. They will monitor you..... You and baby will be fine. 

texgal79

Thank you for the reassurance, ladies! Stories with a happy outcome are always nice to hear. I know I probably shouldn't worry, as my OB didn't seem that concerned about it. But then again, you want to be the best advocate for yourself. Too bad I can't have a scotch on the rocks to take my mind off it... will check out the cats in costumes!

texgal79

Too squish-ily ridiculous! I want to pet it! : ) Thank you.

pepomntpat

Yes, Google is bad!  I had this diagnosed at my scan last week. The MFM was also pretty casual about it since I do not have vasa previa which is the dangerous version so to speak.  We are going to have another scan in a month and likely monthly scans after that to monitor growth.  

I don't think an early c/s is required in most cases unless you have vasa previa or your LO is suffering from IUGR.  And that's why they do the regular scans. I also have a ton of questions.

Also this board is VERY slow. But, there were some much more positive posts on it than trying to weed through the articles and worst case scenarios.

https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6683555/velamentous_cord_insertion 

 

Mtoasty

I had something similar though not exact. I was diagnosed with marginal cord insertion. The cord is not centered but off to one side. I googled toobig mistake. Just trust in God that our babies will be healthy. Praying for you.

jessonadventure

I was diagnosed with this last week as well at the anatomy scan. The MFM doctor didn't seem too worried, but you're right that Google is terrifying with diagnoses like this. Where did you find the info about the baby kicking or pulling the cord from the membrane insertion? I hadn't seen that anywhere, but the risk of bleeding and stillbirth is really getting me down. Here's hoping we all have happy, healthy babies.  

texgal79

Whew, glad to know I wasn't the only one getting this strange news around this time! We can all make a pact to ignore Dr. Google! It does seem like if you don't have vasa previa, or an extreme case of displacement of the cord, it's far less worrisome. I hope my doctor agrees to more regular scans; she only mentioned one at 30 weeks as the next step, and that just seems like an eternity to wait to see what it looks like in there. It appears to be a gray area when it comes to standard of care, since this condition is rare, and each situation/VCI pregnancy is unique. Jessonadventure, I can't remember where I read that about the kicking, but it seemed to be on a couple different ob info and academic research sites as noted risks. I am actually glad to already know I will be having a C-section anyway, since it sounds like sometimes that winds up being the way to go to avoid potentially very serious complications.

Mtoasty

Agreed! No more Dr. Google