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Uterine rupture is a potentially catastrophic event during childbirth by which the integrity of the myometrial wall is breached. In an incomplete rupture the peritoneum is still intact. With a complete rupture the contents of the uterus may spill into the peritoneal cavity or the broad ligament. A uterine rupture is a life-threatening event for mother and baby.
A uterine rupture typically occurs during early labor, but may already develop during late pregnancy. A uterine scar from a previous cesarean section is the most common risk factor. Other forms of uterine surgery that result in full-thickness incisions (such as a myomectomy), dysfunctional labor, labor augmentation by oxytocin or prostaglandins, and high parity may also set the stage for uterine rupture. In 2006, an extremely rare case of uterine rupture in a first pregnancy with no risk factors was reported.
Symptoms of a rupture may be initially quite subtle. An old cesarean scar may undergo dehiscence, but with further labor, the woman may experience abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Often a deterioration of the fetal heart rate is a leading sign. Intra-abdominal bleeding can lead to hypovolemic shock and death.
Emergency exploratory laparotomy with cesarean delivery accompanied by fluid and blood transfusion are indicated for the management of uterine rupture. Depending on the nature of the rupture and the condition of the patient the uterus may be either repaired or needs to be removed (cesarean hysterectomy).
Signs and symptoms include:
Abdominal pain and tenderness. The pain may not be severe; it may occur suddenly at the peak of a contraction. The woman may describe a feeling that something "gave way" or "ripped."
Chest Pain, pain between the scapulae, or pain on inspiration—Pain occurs because of the irritation of blood below the woman's diphragm
Hypovolemic Shock caused by hemorrhage—Falling blood pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea, pallor, cool and clammy skin, and anxiety. The fall in blood pressure is often a late sign of hemorrhage
Signs associated with fetal oxygenation, such as late decelerations, reduced viability, tachycardia, and bradycardia Absent fetal heart sounds with a large disruption of the placenta; absent fetal heart activity by ultrasound examination
Cessation of uterine contractions
Palpation of the fetus outside the uterus (usually occurs only with a large, complete rupture). The fetus is likely to be dead