P50.0: Fetal blood loss from vasa praevia
The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. During pregnancy the umbilical cord connects the child's blood circulation to the mother's. The child receives nutrients and oxygen via the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord usually begins at the placenta itself. The blood vessels of the placenta are then connected to those of the umbilical cord.
A possible defect is that the umbilical cord begins not in the middle at the placenta, but to the side, at the amnions. Amnions covers the placenta and form the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac encircle the child during pregnancy. When the umbilical cord begins at the amnions, blood vessels run between the placenta and umbilical cord at some parts of the amnions. These blood vessels then sit unprotected in the amnions of the amniotic sac. The blood vessels may also run close to the mouth of the womb. The ostium uteri is the mouth of the womb.
The child may lose blood if the unprotected blood vessels in the amnions tear. When blood vessels tear, the child can lose a lot of blood and the situation may become life-threatening. The child will then no longer get enough oxygen. The heart may then beat more slowly than usual. The child may move about less than usual in the womb.
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