question about uterine rupture

[crsta33]

My cousin just had a baby at 34 weeks (3rd baby, all vaginal births, 2nd baby not quite a year old) after battling PTL and having PROM (about 12 hours before baby was born). She had a vaginal delivery. I do not know if her labor was augmented or not. They sent her home after 2 days although her uterus was boggy. She ended up back in the hospital and in emergency surgery for a uterine rupture. They did manage to repair it and she did not have a hysterectomy. I do not think she's ever had a previous uterine surgery, although she did have a miscarriage and possibly a D&C before her first term pg more than 6 years ago.

Is is likely that the rupture occured during labor and it was just missed or can a uterus rupture after the baby has been born? I'm just puzzled as to how this happened. Any information or even speculation would be greatly appreciated.

Christa

[kelly1827]

I'm not a birth porfessional (just a birth junkie) but this happened to a mom I know. First baby, uncomplicated vag birth, UR about 12hrs later. Unfortunately for her, when she started saying to them, "Something is very wrong" they kinda dismissed her at first, until she passed out when she tried to sit up. Next thing she knew she woke up in ICU and had been out for about a day IIRC. She did not lose her uterus, the repair was successful, but it was a horrific thing for her and her family. She did manage to successfully EBF, despite the odds against that in her circumstances (meaning, being in ICU, baby being bottlefed the first few days, severe hemorrhage, etc).

Before her I hadn't ever heard of UR not associated with c-sec or other uterine surgery/injury.

How are she and the baby doing? I'm guessing since she was in for PTL that they got the steroids to the baby in advance of the birth. I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers!

[Reha]

kelly1827, do you know if that mom's labor augmented or induced with anything?

I know that an un-cut uterus can rupture, but that is usually during something like a cytotec induction. I've never heard of UR postpartum.

[crsta33]

Originally Posted by kelly1827

How are she and the baby doing? I'm guessing since she was in for PTL that they got the steroids to the baby in advance of the birth. I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers!

They are both doing okay. Mom was still in the hospital yesterday and in alot of pain. Baby is expected to be in NICU for about 3 weeks...she was breathing on her own, but they put her back on O2 yesterday. I'm getting spotty updates b/c I'm over 3 hours away and due any minute, but they are both recovering. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Christa