Uterine rupture during labour 🚨 🤰
🧠 Clinical mechanism: Full-thickness uterine wall disruption may cause catastrophic maternal haemorrhage and acute fetal hypoxia, particularly during labour after uterine surgery.
🔎 Recognise
- Sudden abnormal fetal heart rate, bleeding, pain, loss of station or maternal collapse; warning signs may be subtle.
🛟 First assessment and action
- Immediate obstetric emergency call, simultaneous maternal resuscitation, haemorrhage protocol and preparation for emergency delivery/surgery.
🧪 Investigations and reassessment
- Diagnosis is clinical; do not delay operative action for confirmatory imaging if rupture is suspected.
⚠️ Pitfall / escalation
- A prior caesarean scar increases risk but rupture can occur without one. Fetal heart abnormalities may precede maternal shock.
UK reference: Primary NHS/NICE/RCOG/GMC source.
Editorial draft, 7 November 2026: targeted source-supported educational summary, NOT independent consultant/pharmacist verification or a treatment protocol. Follow up-to-date BNF, NICE and local NHS pathways.
Related: Labour and Complications · Shock in Pregnancy