What is a potential complication arising from vasa previa?

Vasa previa is a condition where fetal blood vessels traverse membranes beneath the fetal presenting part, often at the cervical os. This positioning of the blood vessels presents a significant risk during labor and delivery, as they can rupture, leading to fetal hemorrhage and compromise. The correct answer, regarding a potential complication of vasa previa, relates to the umbilical cord crossing the cervical os, which directly contributes to the precarious situation of the fetal blood vessels being exposed.

In cases of vasa previa, if the membranes rupture or there is a change in the position of the fetus, it can result in the blood vessels that are crossing the cervical os being torn, causing rapid and severe bleeding. This hemorrhaging is particularly dangerous for the fetus because it can lead to fetal distress or even fetal loss if not promptly managed.

This context illustrates the critical nature of careful monitoring during labor for those with diagnosed vasa previa, reinforcing the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in identifying signs of potential complications linked to this condition.