Uterine rupture

Uterine rupture is an opening of the muscles of the uterus, typically during childbirth or pregnancy. A uterine rupture can occur in any pregnancy, though there are conditions and prior surgery that would increase the risk of a uterine rupture occurring.

Cesarean surgery raises the risks of uterine rupture because the uterus has been cut and repaired, leaving an area that does not move and stretch as uterine muscle normally would in some women. However, even in women with prior cesareans, uterine rupture has a very low risk of likelihood.

There are varying degrees of uterine rupture, from a window or dehiscence to a catastrophic rupture where the uterine muscles completely tear open. The risks to the mother and/or baby during a catastrophic rupture can be severe, including death. Most uterine ruptures are not of this category but uterine rupture is always a potentially life-threatening condition for both the mother and/or the baby and requires surgical intervention.

Pregnancy After Uterine Rupture:

Pregnancy after uterine rupture is possible, though most care providers in the United States will offer and/or insist on early delivery, often at 36-38 weeks, in order to prevent the uterus from reaching full-term size and/or going into labor.1 There have been women who had vaginal births after uterine rupture, though those numbers are not known.

References:

1http://www.perinatology.com/Q&amp;A/qanda28.htm