Although it’s a natural process through which we all enter into the world, childbirth can be very stressful for a mother’s body. Stretch and strain on the uterus is expected as a part of the labor process, but in some cases, the muscular wall of the uterus incurs damage in the form of rips or tears, known as a uterine rupture.

When a tear to the uterine wall occurs, it’s important to know that this kind of birth injury might have been prevented if a doctor had been diligent in heeding warning signs, promptly addressing any danger, and using the proper instruments during the delivery. If the doctor falls short in these areas and a uterus rupture occurs, this could be considered negligence or medical malpractice. In such cases, the mother could pursue compensation as a part of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

How a Uterine Rupture Puts You and Your Baby at Risk

In additional to a risk of death, in rare cases, a uterine rupture birth injury can result in post-partum hemorrhaging, post-partum anemia, an accompanying tear of the bladder, hypovolemic shock (from lack of body fluids), or cause you to require a hysterectomy.

Your baby can also experience a lack of oxygen, resulting in hypoxia, anoxia, or asphyxia, all of which can be devastating to your baby’s health. Other possible complications include seizures, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and brain injuries.

Symptoms of a Uterine Rupture During Childbirth

Signs of a uterine tear during your labor process include:

A failure of the uterus to contract
An abnormal change in the infant’s heart rate
Your infant’s head recedes into the birth canal
You experience a decrease in the baseline uterine pressure
Hemorrhaging
Sudden unexpected abdominal pain or referred pain in the chest
Symptoms of shock

Risk Factors Indicating You Could Experience a Uterine Tear During Childbirth

In preparing for your birth, any risk factors for a uterine rupture should be identified by your doctor early on so that a uterine rupture can possibly be avoided, sometimes by scheduling a C-section. Pre-existing scar tissue from any of the following: a previous cesarean birth, a hysterectomy procedure, a repaired uterus tear, or the removal of a uterine fibroid should be considered warning signs that prompt special planning for your birth to protect you and your baby.

Questions to Ask if Your Uterine Rupture Occurred During Childbirth

Asking the following questions may help you determine if you have a case for medical malpractice:

During labor, were you subject to someone pressing down very hard on your stomach to facilitate the birth?
During labor, did you experience a prolonged period of pushing?
Can the uterine tear be linked to an improperly performed cesarean incision?
Did the tear go unnoticed during a vaginal birth that should have resulted in an emergency C-section?
Did you have a health history that put you at risk for a uterine rupture, but you were not scheduled for a C-section birth?

Seeking Justice and Support

Any failure of your healthcare provider to meet the medical standard of care during your child’s birth should be considered in the aftermath of a uterine rupture resulting from a birth event. Reaching out to an experienced Medical Malpractice attorney is recommended so that your situation can be further evaluated for a potential case.

We at Join Class Actions and Siri & Glimstad LLP understand the gravity of such situations and are committed to providing you with the right resources so that your loved one is adequately taken care of. If you or a loved one was a victim of this kind of medical malpractice, feel free to connect with Jen Malainy now by filling out this form.

Jen Malainy has extensive medical and legal education and experience and has worked within the world-renowned hospital, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF). She is available 24/7 at 440-381-0338.

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Uterine Rupture During Childbirth: Is the Doctor at Fault?

How a Uterine Rupture Puts You and Your Baby at Risk

Symptoms of a Uterine Rupture During Childbirth

Risk Factors Indicating You Could Experience a Uterine Tear During Childbirth

Questions to Ask if Your Uterine Rupture Occurred During Childbirth

Seeking Justice and Support

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