Uterine rupture in an unscarred uterus after application of fundal pressure: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rupture of an unscarred uterus is rare, with a reported incidence of 1 in 8,000-15,000 pregnancies. We report a case occurring during labor. CASE: A 33-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 0, abortion 2, was admitted at 40 weeks' gestation with ruptured membranes. Fundal pressure was applied during delivery due to maternal exhaustion. Uterine rupture was diagnosed from palpation of the fetal extremities coupled with a decreased fetal heartbeat. A 6-cm transverse laceration was discovered over the lower uterine segment during emergency cesarean section. The uterus was sutured. There were no further complications, and the post-operative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous rupture of the unscarred uterus during labor is rare, with only one case recorded at our institution over a 10-year period. Risk factors include weakness of the uterine muscle and the application of fundal pressure. Early detection and immediate surgical intervention are the mainstays of management.