Uterine Rupture
Description/Etiology
Uterine rupture, a rare condition in which the uterine muscles are torn apart due to
unrelieved obstructed labor, dehiscence of a previous cesarean section scar, or aggressive
induction or augmentation of labor, is a life-threatening condition for both mother and
fetus that may result in hemorrhage, hypoxic ischemic neonatal encephalopathy, maternal
genitourinary injury, hysterectomy, and maternal and/or fetal death. Most cases of uterine
rupture occur in women who have had previous uterine surgery, although rupture of an
unscarred uterus is possible.