05/04/2025
A uterine rupture is when the wall of the uterus tears open, usually during labor.
This can cause the baby, the placenta, or both to move into the parents belly, which is can be dangerous for both the birthing person and the baby.
It’s most likely to happen if someone has a scar on their uterus, like from a previous C-section.
But can happen to an unscarred uterus.
It’s rare, especially if labor is watched carefully, but when it happens, it’s an emergency that usually requires a quick C-section.
Reasons why a rupture can occur⬇️
📌Previous Uterine Surgery
➖Cesarean birth scar
➖Previous uterine surgeries like myomectomy (fibroid removal) or surgeries that enter the uterine cavity.
📌Overstimulation of the Uterus
➖Excessive or inappropriate use of Pitocin or prostaglandins (like Cytotec or Cervidil)
➖Augmentation of labor "speeding it up"
➖Very frequent or strong contractions can stress the uterine wall.
📌Trauma
➖Car accidents, falls, or physical trauma to the abdomen.
➖External cephalic version (ECV) in rare cases, especially if done forcefully or when contraindicated.
📌Obstructed Labor or Malposition
➖Labor that is prolonged or obstructed, such as with a malpositioned baby or cephalopelvic disproportion, increases pressure on the uterine wall.
📌Multiple Gestation or Polyhydramnios
➖Twins/triplets or too much amniotic fluid can overstretch the uterus, increasing rupture risk.
📌Grand Multiparity
➖Having 5 or more births can thin or weaken the uterus over time.
📌Manual Removal of the Placenta
➖Aggressive or improper manual removal can cause uterine trauma, especially in a previously scarred uterus.
📌Congenital Uterine Abnormalities
➖Rare, but structural abnormalities can make the uterus more vulnerable.
