Vasa Praevia affects 1 in 2,500 pregnancies and 1 in 300 IVF pregnancies. It occurs when one or more of the baby's blood/umbilical vessels cross the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby. With the onset of labour these vessels can become compressed or tear causing rapid foetal haemorrhage. These are full term healthy babies...it is labour that s catastrophic! (see the picture in my gallery)

 Sadly 95% of cases not diagnosed before birth will result in the death of a full term healthy baby at or shortly after birth, the few that survive suffer harrowing birth experiences and risk serious complications such as brain damage and lifelong disability.

However this can all be prevented!! When diagnosed in pregnancy by a simple colour doppler ultrasound scan and a management plan is observed there is a 100% infant survival rate (as an early c section can take place before the onset of labour). Full term healthy babies need not die at birth!! We just need to be aware of the risks so screening can take place as currently VP is not routinely screened for.

Women in high risk groups include: bleeding in pregnancy, low lying/placenta preavia ( if this later rises in pregnancy the risk of VP must be eliminated!) IVF/twin/multiple pregnancies, velemantous insertion of the umbillical cord, bi-lobed or succenturiate lobed placenta, history of uterine surgery/C-section/D&C

 Sharon was in at least four of these high risk groups and despite RCOG guidelines published Jan 2011 was not told about or referred for screening of VP. Sharon & Simon are urging everyone, especially pregnant women and medical professionals to be aware of the risks, to ask about VP at antenatal appointments and to join VPRA - vasa praevia raising awareness (who also have a Facebook page) . They also ask that you share this information and encourage everyone to visit  www.vasapraevia.co.uk today to help save a baby's life...........

 Please keep an eye on my page for further information about my fundraising event..........

 I will be taking on the three peaks challenge on the 30th June 2012. I know times are hard, but please dig deep for such a worthwhile cause. But more importantly spread the word about Vasa Praevia!

You can read Freya's full story on Sharon & Simon's page by clicking on Freya's team page below.

So please dig deep and donate now.

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