An uncommon but possibly fatal condition that can happen during pregnancy or delivery is uterine rupture. It describes the ripping or splitting of the uterine wall, which might cause serious bleeding and put both the mother and the unborn child in jeopardy. During pregnancy, the uterus, a muscular organ, takes care of and defends the developing foetus.
The uterine wall is durable and sturdy under normal conditions. Healthcare providers and expectant moms must understand the risk factors, symptoms, and proper management of uterine rupture to provide prompt and efficient care during childbirth.
Causes
- Previous uterine surgery: Compared to women with an intact uterus, women withprevious uterine operations, such as caesarean sections (C-sections) or myomectomy (removal of fibroids), are at a greater risk of uterine rupture.
- Uterine overdistention: The risk of rupture rises when the uterus is overextended or overly strained. Multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid), and macrosomia (a huge fetus) are situations where this might happen.
- Augmentation of labour: Utilising some drugs, like oxytocin, to hasten or intensify labour contractions might raise the risk of uterine rupture, particularly if contractions are too frequent, strong, or protracted.
- Uterine anomalies: The uterus’ structural abnormalities, such as a uterine septum or a bicornuate uterus (a uterus with a heart-like shape), might put a woman at risk for uterine rupture.
Symptoms
- Sudden, strong abdominal pain: As per top gynecologists in Mumbai, women occasionally feel sharp, sudden stomach pain that may be localised or generalised. Sharp, stabbing or ripping pain can be either persistent or sporadic.
- Foetal heart rate changes: The foetal heart rate may vary if the rupture damages the placenta or impairs the blood supply to the foetus. The infant’s heart rate can changeor exhibit indications of distress, such as pauses or bradycardia (slow heart rate).
- Vaginal bleeding: Uterine rupture can cause vaginal bleeding, ranging in intensity from little spotting to substantial bleeding. In addition to bleeding, tissue or clots may travel through the wound.
Treatment
- Emergency caesarean delivery: To deliver the baby as soon as practicable after a uterine rupture, an emergency cesarean section is frequently done. This is done to protect the unborn child and minimise any damage to the uterus. The mother’s and baby’s health will play a role when cesarean delivery is performed.
- Repair of the uterine rupture: The uterine rupture is surgically fixed after the baby is delivered. The size and location of the rupture will determine how much mending is necessary.
- Blood transfusion: Cesarean blood transfusions may be performed to compensatefor lost blood and maintain the mother’s hemodynamic state after a uterine rupture, which can cause severe bleeding. To maintain blood pressure to prevent shock, intravenous fluids and medications may also be given.
In Mumbai, India, there is a renowned gynecologist named Dr. Neelima Mantri. She has made a name for herself as an established member of the community of lady gynecologists in Mumbai with extensive knowledge of gynecology. Do consider consulting her for your gynecology concerns.