Welcome
Uterine Rupture Awareness is dedicated to improving recognition, prevention, and understanding of uterine rupture, an uncommon but life-threatening obstetric emergency.
This website provides clear, evidence-based information for women, families, and healthcare professionals.
Here you will find medical explanations, warning signs, patient experiences, and practical resources to support informed decision-making and earlier recognition.
Our mission is to reduce preventable harm through awareness, education, and research.
WOMEN
& FAMILIES
Clear, compassionate information for women and families on uterine rupture, warning signs, and what to know during pregnancy
and birth.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Explore practical, evidence-based information for healthcare providers to support earlier recognition and safer management of uterine rupture.
COMMUNITY
& SUPPORT
Find community connections, lived experiences, and supportive resources for families impacted by uterine
rupture.
WOMEN
& FAMILIES
Clear, compassionate information for women and families on uterine rupture, warning signs, and what to know during pregnancy and birth.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Explore practical, evidence-based information for healthcare providers to support earlier recognition and safer management of uterine rupture.
COMMUNITY
& SUPPORT
Find community connections, lived experiences, and supportive resources for families impacted by uterine rupture.
Q & A
1. What is uterine rupture?
Uterine rupture is an uncommon but serious complication where the wall of the uterus tears open during pregnancy or labour. It can cause severe bleeding and loss of oxygen to the baby, requiring immediate emergency care.
2. Who is most at risk of uterine rupture?
Women with a previous caesarean or other uterine surgery have a higher risk, though rupture can also occur in unscarred uteri, particularly with certain congenital anomalies or intense induction of labour.
3. How common is a rupture during VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)?
In high-resource settings with proper monitoring, complete rupture occurs in roughly 0.5% of planned VBACs. Most VBACs are successful and uncomplicated when carefully selected and monitored.
4. What symptoms should people look out for?
Sudden severe abdominal pain, pain that does not follow contraction patterns, a popping or tearing sensation, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, or sudden loss of fetal movements all require urgent assessment.
5. Can uterine rupture be prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, careful planning of mode of birth, avoiding high-risk induction methods in scarred uteri, and continuous monitoring during labour help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
6. What happens if uterine rupture is suspected?
It is treated as a medical emergency. Immediate evaluation and rapid delivery — usually by emergency caesarean — within minutes are vital to protect both mother and baby from severe haemorrhage.
7. Is it possible to have another pregnancy after a rupture?
Some women can have another pregnancy, but it requires high-risk specialist care and a planned caesarean. A specialist assessment is essential to evaluate the level of danger, as recurrence risk depends on the location and severity of the original rupture.
8. Why is awareness so important?
Early recognition saves lives. When both families and clinicians are aware of the symptoms, risks, and limitations of online information, concerns are identified sooner — and this earlier recognition has been associated with 25–50% better outcomes, including higher survival and improved neurological results.
THE STORY OF...
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