Childbirth, while a natural process, places immense strain on a mother’s body. While some level of stretching and stress on the uterus is expected, rare complications such as a uterine rupture—where the muscular wall of the uterus tears—can pose severe risks to both mother and baby.
In some cases, this complication may have been preventable had medical professionals properly monitored for warning signs, taken appropriate precautions, and adhered to the standard of care. If a doctor’s negligence contributed to such an injury, it could be considered medical malpractice, and legal action may be an option for the affected mother and child.
The Risks of Uterine Rupture for Mother and Baby
A uterine rupture can result in life-threatening complications. For the mother, risks include:
- Postpartum hemorrhaging
- Postpartum anemia
- Bladder tears
- Hypovolemic shock (dangerous loss of body fluids)
- The need for a hysterectomy
For the baby, complications can include:
- Oxygen deprivation leading to hypoxia, anoxia, or asphyxia
- Brain injuries
- Seizures
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
Timely intervention is critical to minimizing these risks and ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
Warning Signs of a Uterine Rupture
During labor, the following symptoms may indicate a rupture:
- Failure of the uterus to contract properly
- Sudden abnormal changes in the infant’s heart rate
- The infant’s head moving back into the birth canal
- Decreased baseline uterine pressure
- Hemorrhaging
- Unexpected abdominal pain or referred chest pain
- Symptoms of shock, such as dizziness or rapid heartbeat
Recognizing these signs quickly can be crucial in preventing serious complications.
Risk Factors for Uterine Rupture
An obstetrician should assess a patient’s risk before labor begins. Some factors that may indicate an increased risk include:
- Pre-existing scar tissue from a previous C-section, hysterectomy, or uterine surgery
- A history of a previous rupture or repair
- The presence of uterine fibroids requiring prior removal
- A high number of previous pregnancies
- The use of labor-inducing medications such as oxytocin
Proper medical evaluation and, in some cases, a planned C-section may be necessary to reduce unnecessary risks.
Determining whether Medical Negligence Occurred
If you or a loved one experienced this complication, consider the following questions:
- Did medical staff apply excessive pressure to your abdomen during labor?
- Was there an extended period of pushing without medical intervention?
- Could the rupture be linked to an improperly performed cesarean incision?
- Was the rupture overlooked during a vaginal birth when an emergency C-section should have been performed?
- Were your pre-existing risk factors ignored instead of planning a C-section to mitigate risks?
If any of these apply, there may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Pursuing Legal Action after a Birth Injury
If your healthcare provider failed to meet the medical standard of care, leading to a uterine rupture, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice case. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help determine whether negligence played a role in your birth injury.
For help with this or any medical malpractice questions you may have, fill out the form here to schedule a time to speak with a qualified medical malpractice attorney. It has never been more important to have a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate on your side.
