The Retroverted Gravid Uterus and Its Effect on the Outcome of Pregnancy

Association between uterine position and transvaginal misoprostol treatment for early pregnancy failure

“…Diagnosis of uterine position may be done via physical examination or an ultrasound examination. Differences in uterine position are associated with various gynecologic conditions, such as a higher rate of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy . One study postulated that uterine position may also affect success rate during medical treatment for EPF …”

Clinical presentation of placenta percreta with uterine incarceration in the second trimester

“…Possible gastrointestinal eff ects include progressive constipation, tenesmus and rectal pressure, and even one case of gangrene of the colon resulting in death of the mother has been reported (Lettieri et al 1994). Obstetric outcome may be eff ected as in this case, with spontaneous abortions, preterm labour, uterine rupture, failure of progression of labour, caesarean deliveries and complications during these operations including inadvertent bladder entry, cervical lacerations and subtotal hysterectomy (Li et al 2000;Weekes et al 2000). Advanced imaging modalities in addition to the ultrasound are necessary for the diagnosis of uterine incarceration.…”

Recurrent incarceration and/or sacculation of the gravid uterus: A review

“…Most authors recommend an early aggressive treatment, because of the possible consequences on gestational outcome and because early recognition is the cornerstone of a successful treatment [4]. In order to achieve this, it has been advised to examine all women with known retroverted uterus during the twelfth week of pregnancy [6,9].…”

“…Uterine incarceration, defined as intrapelvic locking of the uterine fundus during pregnancy, was first described by Hunter in 1771 [3]. It is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 3000 pregnancies [4]. When pregnancy progresses, myometrial expansion of the incarcerated uterus occurs by (over)stretching or sacculation of the uterine anterior wall ( Figure 1).…”