### What is Velamentous Cord Insertion? Velamentous cord insertion is a condition where the baby's umbilical cord attaches to the membranes of the placenta instead of the center. This can lead to complications because the blood vessels in the cord are not well-protected. ### How Does It Affect Pregnancy? 1. **Risks to the Baby**: The unprotected blood vessels can become compressed or break, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. This can cause low birth weight, preterm birth, and the need for neonatal intensive care. 2. **Risks to the Mother**: Mothers may experience vaginal bleeding and are at higher risk for hemorrhage during delivery. The placenta may need to be manually removed, and additional procedures like curettage may be necessary. ### Diagnosis and Monitoring - **Ultrasound**: Velamentous cord insertion is often hard to detect but can sometimes be identified during a second-trimester ultrasound. - **Color Doppler Ultrasound**: This technology can detect the condition with 99% accuracy. - **Non-Stress Testing**: If diagnosed, doctors will monitor the baby's heart rate to ensure they are getting enough oxygen. ### Special Cases - **Vasa Previa**: This is a severe condition where the unprotected blood vessels lie between the baby and the birth canal, posing a risk of serious blood loss during labor. ### Risk Factors - More common in pregnancies involving twins, older mothers, first pregnancies, and those conceived through fertility treatments. Smoking and chronic diseases like diabetes also increase the risk.