Vasa praevia: diagnosis and management

•  Vasa praevia occurs when unprotected fetal vessels cross the cervix beneath the presenting part. •  It occurs in approximately 1 in 3000–6000 births. •  Rapid fetal haemorrhage can result. •  A high index of suspicion and appropriate use of prenatal ultrasonography may prevent perinatal death.Learning objectives:•  To recognise the risk factors and diagnostic criteria. •  To review the role of expert ultrasonography. •  To recognise the need for prompt action and a clear care plan.Ethical issues:•  Should prenatal detection of vasa praevia be a routine component of antenatal care? •  Should resource constraints influence the availability of prenatal diagnostic testing?Please cite this article as: Murray A, Murphy DJ. Vasa praevia: diagnosis and management. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:217–223.