Velamentous Cord insertion

Londonsmybabyboy

Wiki Describes this condition as this:

Velamentous cord insertion is an abnormal condition during pregnancy. Normally, the umbilical cord inserts into the middle of the placenta as it develops. In velamentous cord insertion, the umbilical cord inserts into the fetal membranes (choriamniotic membranes), then travels within the membranes to the placenta (between the amnion and the chorion). The exposed vessels are not protected by Wharton's jelly and hence are vulnerable to rupture. Rupture is especially likely if the vessels are near the cervix, in which case they may rupture in early labor, likely resulting in a stillbirth. This is a serious condition called vasa previa. Not every pregnancy with a velamentous cord insertion results in vasa previa, only those in which the blood vessels are near the cervix.

When a velamentous cord insertion is discovered, the obstetrician will monitor the pregnancy closely for the presence of vasa previa. If the blood vessels are near the cervix, the baby will be delivered via cesarean section as early as 35 weeks to prevent the mother from going into labor, which would likely kill the baby. Early detection can reduce the need for emergency cesarean sections.

 

Does anyone have any experience with this? I must say I am pretty shaken up about it. I know from here on out I have to see a specialist to monitor the baby for growth and distress. I was considered  high risk because of my heart racing but now I am high risk because of baby. Anyway I was wondering if anyone has heard of it. Thanks.

 

bethLenell

I haven't heard of it before but wanted to send you some (hugs) and T'd and P's. Take it easy and try not to stress out too much. The internet will usually always show you worst case so I would stay away from it for a little while.

 

ETA: Just be sure to follow Dr.'s orders and you should be ok it sounds like. 

RanFan28

I've never heard of it, but just wanted to say I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. High risk stuff is always so scary. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy delivery. Keep us updated.

lp0

Sorry I've never heard of it either but it sounds like they are going to monitor you very closely. Sending lots of T&P'S your way! 

zou bisou

Yes, at our 20 week scan with our second baby, they thought this was an issue. Actually, there's a degree of insertion that's even more off-center and they thought that's what I had.  I'm sorry, I can't remember the term that's used but they thought the cord was way off to one side of the placenta. They watched blood flow to the cord very closely throughout the pregnancy.  Later on, they decided the cord wasn't that off center after all.  I was able to have an uneventful, med-free, vaginal delivery.  I hope this gives you some comfort.

ETA: It finally came to me - battledore.  They thought we had a battledore cord insertion.  Weirdest term ever. 

Lawson6510

I'm a NICU nurse so I really only see high risk deliveries. I have seen multiple cord insertion issues and as long as it's caught early and monitored closely everything works out fine! If the Dr suspects any issues they will likely deliver the baby a few weeks earlier than your due date don't forget that 37 weeks is considered term. The real danger arises when the insertion issue isn't caught until delivery so the Drs don't know to take precautions during labor and delivery. Thoughts and prayers for an uneventful rest of your pregnancy and a healthy baby!

Londonsmybabyboy

Thanks ladies. Its just terrifying. I am ofcourse hoping for the best. I just have a lot of pressure on my cervix and it makes me worry. Today it feels like I'm being stabbed with every step I take. Its just not a low stress situation. I'm feeling a lot of nausea too which I haven't had in weeks. My cord insertion is way off to the one side . Anyway thanks for the support and reassurance.