Uterine Rupture During VBAC
A uterine rupture during a VBAC is a tear in the uterine wall that typically occurs at the prior incision area of the uterus.
This tear can be potentially life threatening to both mother and baby and requires immediate surgery.
It’s important to note that the more c-sections you have the greater the risk of uterine rupture, regardless of the type of previous incision. This is why most doctors won’t perform a VBAC when a woman has had 2 or more c-sections.
What is the Risk of Uterine Rupture During a VBAC?
However you’ll be happy to know that the instance of uterine rupture during a VBAC is fairly rare. Only about 1% of women who have had one previous low transverse horizontal C-Section cut experience uterine rupture.
For c-sections that were performed creating a low vertical incision, this carries a slightly higher risk of about 1-7% chance.
For women with the classical vertical scar on the upper part of the uterus the risk is even greater yet, it’s about 4-8% risk as this higher cut is made in a more vulnerable part of the uterus and can cause more serious complications if a rupture occurs.
Uterine rupture is always a concern with subsequent c-sections and when considering a VBAC, but the good news today is that uterine rupture can usually be detected through fetal monitoring.
There are also tell tale signs that a doctor can go by as well, things happening like:
- Sharp pain between contractions
- Pain or tender abdomen
- Vaginal bleeding
- Contractions that slow down or become less intense
- Sharp pain at the site of the previous scar
- Baby’s head moves back up into the birth canal
- Baby’s head has protruded outside of the uterine scar
What Happens if a Uterine Rupture Occurs During a VBAC?
If a uterine rupture does occur it means immediate surgery as the baby can be pushed through the uterine wall and into the mother’s abdomen and this can be fatal for the baby, so the quicker the doctor and hospital can respond, the better.
In Summary…
If you are considering a VBAC at home or outside of a hospital, don’t ignore the possibility of a uterine rupture. Even though it is relatively rare, it’s still a possibility. Take precautions and make sure you have the means to get immediate surgery in the event that it will be needed.
For more the C-Section procedure, risks and recovery, The Worry Free C-Section is an excellent resource for advice, personal tips information on all aspects of having a C-Section.
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