What condition commonly leads to the decision for cesarean delivery when diagnosed early in pregnancy?

Vasa previa is a condition in which fetal blood vessels are located near or over the cervical opening, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. When diagnosed early in pregnancy, vasa previa can significantly increase the risk of vessel rupture during labor, posing a threat to fetal life due to potential hemorrhage. Therefore, the identification of vasa previa typically prompts healthcare providers to recommend a cesarean delivery, often preemptively scheduled around 34 to 37 weeks of gestation to mitigate the risks associated with vaginal delivery.

In contrast, while placenta previa—another condition that presents with the placenta located abnormally low in the uterus—also commonly leads to cesarean delivery, it is often diagnosed later in pregnancy and is not always confirmed early. Similarly, oligohydramnios, which is a condition of low amniotic fluid, does not necessarily mandate cesarean delivery unless it causes specific complications. Multiple gestation, while it sometimes leads to cesarean delivery, does not have the same certainty in requiring surgical intervention as it can be managed with vaginal delivery depending on the positioning and health of the fetuses.