Dedicated and Compassionate Birth Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide. Call us today at
(877) 262-9767 for a confidential consultation.
(877) 262-9767 for a confidential consultation.
Uterine Rupture
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Uterine rupture is an uncommon but potentially serious complication that can happen at any time throughout pregnancy. It most often occurs during labor. A uterine rupture occurs when there is a tear in the uterus. A “complete” uterine rupture happens when the tear goes through all of the layers of the uterus. Uterine rupture occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies, but when it does happen, it can be very dangerous for both mother and baby. Below, our birth injury lawyers discuss complications and risk factors of a uterine rupture.
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Complications of Uterine Rupture
When a uterine rupture occurs, the mother may experience severe bleeding and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. When the mother’s blood pressure drops, the baby receives reduced blood flow, which also reduces the amount of oxygen to the baby.
In addition, the baby may be at risk for being pushed out of the uterus through the tear. If this happens, the baby’s umbilical cord may bend or be compressed, which can also reduce or completely cut off the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
When a complete rupture occurs, the baby must be delivered quickly to avoid injury from the lack of oxygen. The baby may be at risk for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE may lead to infant brain damage and permanent conditions such as cerebral palsy. It may also lead to fetal death. Fetal death occurs in about 6% of uterine ruptures.
In most cases, once a uterine rupture is identified, the mother will undergo an emergency C-section to deliver the baby. In some cases, the mother will have to undergo a hysterectomy to control the bleeding following a uterine rupture.
What Are Uterine Rupture Risk Factors?
In the majority of uterine rupture cases, the tear occurs along the scar from a previous cesarean section (C-section) delivery or surgery on the uterus (such as fibroid surgery). Women attempting a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), also commonly known as vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), are at the highest risk for uterine rupture. The risk of uterine rupture increases with the number of prior cesarean sections. Other factors that increase the risk of a uterine rupture include:
- Use of Pitocin/oxytocin
- A large baby (macrosomia)
- Pregnancy beyond the scheduled due date
- Having had a C-section performed within the prior 24 months
- Several previous pregnancies
- Maternal age greater than 30
- Twin pregnancy
Birth Injury News
The risk of uterine rupture is significantly increased if the mother has had a previous C-section with a vertical (up-and-down or “classical”) incision. If you have had a previous C-section, it is important that you and your doctor are aware of the type of incision that was performed on your uterus, not just on your skin. TOLAC/VBAC is not recommended for patients with a “classical” incision from a previous C-section.
Contact Our Chicago Based Birth Injury Lawyers Today About a Uterine Rupture Birth Injury. We Represent Families Nationwide.
If you suffered a uterine rupture during your baby’s delivery and you or your baby sustained an injury, please contact us. Our birth injury lawyers can help you understand your potential legal options during a free consultation.
Call us at (877) 262-9767 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We represent families nationwide and have offices in Chicago IL, Baltimore MD, New York NY, and Wilmington DE.