Pregnancy: High-Risk Conditions Community

Hello,

I posted a similar topic a couple of months ago and didn't get any replies.

I had a rupture with my first delivery, on an unscarred uterus. It was not catastrophic both my son and I are fine.

My Doctor told me that I could attempt another pregnancy. He said that I needed to wait at least 9 months to ttc again and that I would be an automatic c-section.

I have done some research on my own. What I have found suggested a c-section at least 1 week prior to when you went into labour with the previous child. I have also seen some info that suggests hospitalization prior to delivery.

I know I will def have lots of questions for my DR when I see him before ttc again. I suggest that you talk with your DR . He/she is the only one who knows the extent of the damage you suffered and what the potential risks are to you and baby.

The same thing happened to me while attempting a VBAC with my second child. My son and I barely made it out alive, but amazingly we're both fine and I still have my uterus. I was told I should not get pg again because of the extent of the damage. My previous c-section scar was the cause of the rupture, so I have that scar, plus it ruptured all the way up the whole right side of my uterus. I also have the scar from the second c-section now, and my bladder also was severely damaged because that ruptured. I had to have a blood transfusion, have a catheter in for 10 days and was in the hospital for 7 days. I was devastated at the thought of no more children as my husband and I wanted 3. For the year after my son was born (12-31-06) I cried when I thought about it. I went to see my doc again just to see if she found any studies about getting pg after a rupture, because like you, I've found that when people rupture, they either lose their uterus or just don't get pg again. I couldn't take that answer as a final answer so I asked her to refer me to a specialist, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist. She reviewed my chart before our appt and I was prepared to be done.....until the appt!! She made sure I knew what all was involved and the risks that would be present. She said I'd have to have a classical (up and down) c-section to avoid the entire area of the previous rupture. At 32 weeks I'd have to have the steriod shots and at 35 weeks I'd have an aminocentesis. If the lungs are mature at 35 weeks, I'd be admitted and the baby would be born. If not, another round of steriod shots and and then wait a week or so. She said I'd NEVER see 38 weeks though. If I went into labor the results would be catastrophic. My main question was what are the chances of me rupturing out of the blue, not in labor. She said that the % of spontaneous rupture, for me...not sure if it's different for each person.....is 3%. I had perfect pregnancies with the other two, it was just the labor and delivery that went awry. I asked her if I got pg again, would she think I was irresponsible or selfish. She said that it takes a lot for her to think that. 50% or higher is when she thinks women should not carry another baby. She did say though, that although the risk is only 3%, if I fall into that 3% the results are NOT GOOD. She said my baby would be gone in 5 minutes and I'd be close behind. So, yes the risk is low but at the same time, it's very scary. My husband and I discussed all aspects and decided we'd never be able to live knowing we might have been able to have our 3rd child with no complications. Not that we've forgotten the results if we fall into that 3%, because we also wouldn't be able to live with ourselves knowing that losing our baby was totally something we knew could happen but did it anyway. But we weighed the risk vs. the result (if all goes well) and I am now 13 weeks pregnant and due in February!! I'm scared out of my mind, but all has gone well so far. I've had 4 or 5 ultrasound so far just to monitor everything and I'm having another one on Friday (8-22-08) so hopefully it's all still okay. My advice to you is find a specialist, talk to your doc who delivered during your rupture, and mainly, go with your heart. I honestly feel that all will be well with this 3rd baby. My gut feeling, which I PRAY is right, is that things will go as planned and we will have a perfect child to complete our family. I did ask the specialist what the complications of a 5 week premature baby are because if the lungs are good to go at 35 weeks, they're going to take it right there and she said "Nothing compared to rupturing and losing it!" The complications are very small, manageable, temporary and totally doable. Jaundice, feeding issues, a couple more days in the hospital, obviously smaller birth weight.....but all are temporary. I'd love to hear back from you and good luck with your decision!

I AM A 35 YEAR OLD. I TOO HAD A UTERINE RUPTURE DURING MY SECOND PREGNANCY. I DID HAVE A C.-section WITH MY FIRST. BUT I AM TOLD MY UTERUS RUPUTERED HIGHER AND IN 3 SPOTS. MY SECOND PREGNANCY WAS NORMAL UP TO THE LABOR PART. MY UTERUS RUPTURED ALSO RUPTURING MY LEFT FALOPIAN TUBE. MY SON AND THE PLACENTA WERE OUTSIDE OF THE UTERUS FLOATING IN MY BLOOD. BOTH MY SON AND I DIED I LOST 8 UNITS OF BLOOD. MY SON WAS WITH OUT OXYGEN FOR 27 MINS. HE IS NOW 10 WITH SEIZURE DISORDERS, CP, G-TUBE FED, AND BIRTH ANOXIA. THEY DIDN'T GIVE HIM A YEAR. AND LIKE ALL OF YOU I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ODDS TOO. I DID HAVE DYE PUT THROUGH MY UTERUS AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY LEAKS. MY ODDS OF GETTING PREGNANT AGAIN WERE 10%. I FOUND IN JUNE THAT I AM PREGNANT AND DUE AT THE END OF FEB. WE ARE SCHEDULING A C-SECTION AT ABOUT 36 WEEKS. YES I M SCARED MAINLY FOR MY SON THAT IS 10 BECAUSE I HAVE MADE HIM MY WORLD. HE IS A MOMMY'S BOY ALL THE WAY. BUT I AM WATCHING WEIGHT AND HAVING PLENTY OF ULTRA SOUNDS TO KNOW THE WEIGHT OF THE BABY. JUST IN CASE. BUT FOR NOW IT IS GOD'S HANDS. GOOD LUCK!

had a uterus rupture on 12/05/2008 with my son he was 6p 2oz at 34 weeks n 4 days it was terrible my baby kristian didnt make it . what happen to me at that hospital has haunted me so bad i only have one baby but i want to have a baby so bad i hear all these story about rupture and still getting pregnant i hope i can and me and my baby live and be healty but im just so terrified but im willing to take that chance may god bless me an all go well i've had 4 pregnacy 3 c section had my babies couple days later they past away because they were premature my body has been through hell i wouldve at least been happy if i had my babys but after undergoing 4pregnancy 3 sections only one child to show for it that just breaks my heart it has only been 8months since my rupture could i try when my year is up can some body any body help me contact me gloriaalcius@yahoo.com

Many congratulations on your pregnancy. I had a c section with my son in 2002 during a very long labor. In 2006 I attempted a VBAC and had thought I would be closely monitored, the staff failed to diagnose my uterine rupture during labor and during delivery, which resulted in failed ventouse, forceps, shoulder dystocia before eventual delivery. My daughter was taken to neonatal as she had a low apghar score and was not breathing at birth. She suffered erbs palsy to her right arm, a condition which results in nerve damage to her arm affecting movement, thankfully due to God's blessing she is doing very well developmentally. I was left in the ward for 8 hours complaining of pain in my abdomen. Eventually a diagnosis was made that my uterus had ruptured, I underwent 5 hours of surgery to have my uterus, bladder and cervix repaired. Despite all the complications, I really would like to try for another child to complete our family. My consultant has stated it would be safe to attempt another pregnancy, but I would be closely monitored and it would be a c-section at 37weeks. I have been thinking about it, but I am very anxious. I have not come across anyone in the same predicament as me except yourself. I would be really grateful if you could let me know how you are doing. I am seriously considering trying for a baby in October, it will be 3 years then. like yourself I have this strong feeling in my heart all will be well. All the best to you, I will pray all goes well for you. take care

Yes i attempted vaginal birth in 2009 after my previous c section in 2005 and ended up with the scar rupturing and the baby and the placenta being pushed into the peritonial cavity and i lost my boy. Well i didnt need transfusion and my uterus was sutured but the worst happened, i lost my baby boy. I dont know whether i will ever be able to deliver in future. I have a 4 year old daughter and i was looking forward to my boy. I m 28 now. Rajashrie Sharma Read more: www.faqs.org/abstracts/Health/Uterine-rupture-during-trial-of-labor-after-previous-cesarean-section.html#Comments_form#ixzz0TmsG9GKa

Hi,

First time i got pregnant i had a miscarriage i was 8 weeks pregnant. Then after 4 month i i got pregnant again and everything was perfect. On Aug 12th 2009 i was exactly 26 weeks pregnant, my husband and i were out for dinner that night. unfortunately, that night on our way back we've had a car accident. we crashed into the other car face to face and then our car started rolling. i felt a horrible pain in abdomen and i was taken to the hospital immediately. They did a ct scan and found that i had internal bleeding and i was rushed to OR. during the operation the doctors discovered that my uterus had ruptured in the upper segment. i had two scars, the baby was out of the uterus and got separated from the placenta. during the operation i was bleeding heavily and the doctors were unable to stop the bleeding i almost died but then after losing 3000ml of blood the bleeding stopped and the doctors stitched me up. i woke up the next day to discover that my baby girl has died my leg is broken and my ribs as well. i was supposed to hold my baby in my hands right now. my due date was Nov 17th 2009. my baby was snatched and killed because one reckless driver decided to have fun with his friend and drive on the wrong side of the road. The doctors advised me to take a break and let my uterus to heal for 2 years. i'm scared to death because i keep thinking what if my uterus ruptures again if i get pregnant. i just wanted to share my story with you, i really miss my baby but i'm trying to keep my spirits high and think positively. i will try to get pregnant within two years and i hope it will go smoothly

I am contemplating another pregnancy after having delivered by scheduled cesarean at 37 weeks in attempts to avoid a uterine rupture . (I had f a past ruptured ectopic pregnancy that left the fundus of my uterus scarred). My daughter died at 36 hrs old, on Christmas day 2008, due to complications of prematurity, her apgars scores were 9/10. The specialists have suggested, if we choose ttc again, we should deliver by scheduled cesarean again between 36-39 weeks after lung maturity is proven by amniocentesis. Ive had 2 cesareans, plus a ruptured cornual ectopic, so have a several areas of extreme thinning. Im scared of a spontaneous rupture. Im scared of another preterm baby that isnt going to make it. and im scared of what could become of my emotional health should I experience another loss of child. The risks are so incredibly small, yet the events could be catastrophic. Is it a risk to take? I wish someone could tell me.

Same thing happended to me, was not monitored sufficiently and hospital refused to give cs. Daughter has cp and I am still angry about lack of care and the harm caused. Surprisingly, though would still like another child, but worried about the consequences.

Hi, My uterus ruptured spontaneously when my daughter was 39+6 weeks - day before she was due in Oct 09. This was completely unexpected as I had a vaginal delivery with my son, although did have a small perforation at the fundus when the hospital wanted to use a camera to check for retained placenta. I was told this would not be an issue prior to conception and during the pregnancy although they have since said that it could have been a factor. I was told a c-section was not needed and I could deliver vaginally again, although in hospital because of the risk of retained placenta again. My daughter did not make it and I only just came through it. My uterus was completely ruptured across the top from tube to tube. It was repaired with many layers of stitched. I have great photos of it! Whilst in Intensive care the surgeon told me I should be ok to try again, although they wouldn't want me to be alone from about 27 weeks, and would aim to admit me at 30 weeks - I would be allowed out to the local pizza hut etc though - and probably deliver at around 34-35 weeks as they wouldn't want to risk labour. The baby would be closely monitored and have the steroids for it's lungs etc. That's if I were to conceive successfully as they may have damaged tubes etc. They have advised us to wait at least a year and want us to have counselling before conception because they have said it would be a difficult pregnancy emotionally. Not sure how I feel about planning for a premature baby, as well as the disruption to my family to plan to be away in hospital for a month or more. I know this happens to some people but to plan for it seems hard. My daughter would have completed my family and I still have that longing, but am not ready yet. Thanks, hope this helps

Wow, I am really scared after reading all of your experiences. I had a scheduled c-section for my first pregnancy to deliver twins in 2008 because one was in the breech position. Our twins are only 18 months old now. To our surprise, we found out we were expecting again, with a due date this May. Our OB said he would support us in which ever delivery method we chose whether that be a scheduled c-section or a vbac. I really want to experience a natural child birth, but am scared about a possible rupture. My OB said 1/100 will have a rupture. I am especially scared after reading about all of you ladies experiences on this post. I am deeply sorry for your losses and difficulties. After reading your experiences, I am kind of leaning toward a scheduled c-section being the "safer" option. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and best wishes to all of you.

If you had twins, your uterus would have stretched more than with a singleton, no? Considering that, if you had a singleton, I would think it would probably be safer for you to go through a VBAC than someone who tried to have VBAC after a singleton, with your doctor's supervision and monitoring of course.

However, a lot of doctors and hospitals no longer perform VBAC due to the liability issues that the other posters provided ample examples for...well, none in my area (and I live in a suburb of Los Angeles).

Anyway, good luck and I hope you well.

I had 2 VBACS and was planning a third when I had to have an emergency C-section for pre-eclampsia. I live in a suburb of Denver and traveled to Denver to our University Hospital for just this reason. Usally your University hospital will be a place that you can find that will do VBACS because they have the equipment and the proper personnel on duty 24/7. I know the hospital in my suburb wouldn't do it because they do not have anastegelogist(sp?) on duty 24 hrs a day. They must be right there waiting in case. I really didn't worry about rupture and had no idea so many people have dealt with it. Each VBAC and even this pregnancy I was always treated by specialist because of wanting the VBAC.

I am so sorry to hear what everyone who had ruptures has gone through and their losses

My uterus ruptured during my first pregnancy with my son. It ruptured up 4" and down through my cervix. It also ruptured my right ureter and lacerated my bladder. Luckily we delivered at the best hospital in Orlando or neither of us would have survived. My son is 100% healthy now thanks to the surgeon and staff at the hospital. I had to wait 18 months to TTC and got pregnant with my daughter 19 months after I had my son. I had sonograms every 2 weeks through 32 weeks. Since my cervix was damaged I was at high risk for an incompetent cervix. Luckily it stayed closed my whole pregnancy. At 32 weeks I had the beta methasone (steriod) shots to make sure her lungs were developed. I couldn't take the risk of going into labor so at 36 weeks I had an amnio to confirm her lungs were developed and then delivered her via C/S the next day. The urologist put stents in my ureters right before the C/S to protect them during the surgery. She had some feeding difficulties and had sleep apnea and had to be on an apnea monitor for 4 months but other than that she did fine and now she's almost 2. You will have to deliver at 36 weeks. If any dr tells you they will wait and take the baby at 38-39 weeks find a new dr immediately! You need to have regular sonograms and you need to have the steriod shots to develop the baby's lungs. You will also need to see a high risk dr along w/ your regular OB.