What is a Uterine Rupture?
One of the more severe complications that can pose a threat to the health of both the mother and child is a uterine rupture. When this rupture occurs, the oxygen supply to the child is severed, resulting in a critical, time sensitive situation for the child, as well as considerable maternal bleeding that threatens the mother’s life.
Factors leading to uterine rupture
Uterine rupture occurs when the wall of the mother’s womb tears, putting the baby at risk of slipping into her abdomen. A uterine rupture creates an emergency situation in which the baby must be removed as quickly as possible to restore oxygen to the infant. This is done by performing an emergency cesarean section.
Less than 1 percent of pregnant women suffer this emergency condition. Most often it occurs in women who have pre-existing uterine scars from one or more prior cesarean section deliveries, or other types of uterine surgery. With each cesarean section, the woman faces a greater risk of sustaining a uterine rupture. Additional risk factors include the number of children previously carried by the mother and particular medications the mother is given during the course of her pregnancy.
Many doctors advise women who have had a cesarean delivery in the past to avoid vaginal delivery in the future. It is possible to have successful vaginal birth after a previous cesarean delivery; however, due to the higher risk involved, it is important for medical professionals to closely monitor the woman during labor in such cases.
Potential long-term impact of a uterine rupture on a child
A child can suffer serious complications in the form of a birth injury resulting from uterine rupture. It is vital that doctors act quickly to deliver the baby quickly, because the baby could die from oxygen deprivation if it is not removed from the mother within 10 to 40 minutes of the event. Barring death, the lack of oxygen to the baby can lead to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy can inflict serious damage on a child’s muscle development, motor skills, and coordination. HIE can lead to brain deterioration, seizures, cardiorespiratory problems, or death.
The various complications imposed upon the mother and child as a result of a ruptured uterus can also lead to exorbitant medical costs for the mother and her family. The mother may have a strong case to pursue legal action for medical malpractice if doctors failed to address serious risk factors she faced, or failed to take the proper precautions.
If you experienced uterine rupture during the birthing process and your baby sustained injuries as a result, our team at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is here to help. You can count on our Maryland birth injury attorneys to investigate your case thoroughly and fight vigorously on your behalf for any compensation you are owed for your losses. To schedule a free consultation, please call us today at 410.730.7737 or fill out our contact form.
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Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.