Uterine rupture in labour.

Cardiotocographic Evidence of Uterine Rupture in Labour

“…The greatest safeguard is an awareness of the possibility of rupture and recognition of those most at risk 2,3 . The biggest problem in labour is early diagnosis of rupture.…”

“…The risk of this in labour where an uncomplicated lower segment operation has been used for a non‐recurrent cause is about 0.8% 1 . This is usually much less dramatic than a spontaneous or traumatic rupture 2 and repeat ceasarean section may be delayed increasing the danger to fetus and mother unnecessarily 2,3 . The chance of rupture is increased by parity, hyperstimulation of the uterus, scar implantation of the placenta and possibly by epidural analgesia as signs may be masked.…”

“…The chance of rupture is increased by parity, hyperstimulation of the uterus, scar implantation of the placenta and possibly by epidural analgesia as signs may be masked. Continuous cardiotocographic monitoring in labour appears to offer the best chance of avoiding hyperstimulation and of diagnosing fetal distress indicating that uterine rupture may be in progress 3 …”