Minnesota Uterine Rupture
Uterine ruptures are not very common in pregnancy or labor, occurring in fewer than one percent of pregnancies. However, when they occur, they have very serious consequences. A uterine rupture is most likely to occur during the labor process. A uterine rupture refers to a tear in the uterus. A uterine rupture classified as complete is one that tears through all the layers of the uterus. Any type of uterine rupture will pose a risk to both the child and the baby and the effects are often long-lasting. If you or your child has been hurt, a Minnesota medical malpractice lawyer can advise on your case.
What Complications Do Uterine Ruptures Create?
Uterine ruptures cause dangerously severe maternal bleeding, and the mother’s blood pressure will also drop. As the maternal blood pressure drops, the blood flow to the infant is reduced, which also means the baby does not receive the proper amount of oxygen they need. Additionally, the child may be pushed out through the tear, exiting the uterus as they do. This can cause many different problems, including compression or bending of the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord problems can also result in the infant not receiving the blood, oxygen, and nutrients they need.
The complications resulting from a uterine rupture are devastating for the child. This injury can result in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which can cause brain damage and permanent conditions, including cerebral palsy. In the most tragic of cases, it can even cause fetal death, which occurs in approximately six percent of cases.
Sadly, it is not only the child that will experience harm as a result of a uterine rupture. The complications to the mother can also cause devastation. Most of the time, an emergency C-section is ordered so the child can be delivered safely. Still, a hysterectomy is also often ordered for the woman to control the flow of bleeding a uterine rupture causes. This is extremely difficult for women who plan to have more children in the future.
Risk Factors Associated with Uterine Ruptures
Most uterine ruptures are caused by a previous C-section scar tearing at the site of the uterus. However, other factors can also place a woman and baby at greater risk of suffering harm from a uterine rupture. These factors include:
- Large baby size
- Use of oxytocin or Pitocin
- An overdue pregnancy
- Women who have had a C-section performed within the previous 24 months
- Mothers over the age of 30
- Pregnancies that involve multiples, such as twins or triplets
- Many previous pregnancies
Doctors are expected to identify the factors that place a woman at risk of a uterine rupture so they can minimize the risk to both the mother and baby.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Minnesota Can Help After a Uterine Rupture
If you have suffered from a uterine rupture and you or your baby were hurt as a result, our Minnesota birth injury lawyers can provide the sound legal advice you need. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our seasoned attorneys have the necessary experience to help you file your claim and recover the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.