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Childbirth/Uterine rupture
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Question
Hi. I have just given birth to my 4th daughter, which resulted in an emergency caesarian, after my uterus ruptured. My first daughter was a caesarian (7 years ago),due to fetal distress, but then I had 2 natural, drug-free births (4 and 2 years ago) I was curious as to any statistcs on this, as my doc at the time had not experienced it before??
I had been induced with all 4 as I was overdue.
Uterine rupture is a risk, although it doesn't happen very often, with labor after a previous cesarean birth. The rate of uterine rupture for a woman having a VBAC is 1/2 of 1% (0.5%)This means out of 200 women attempting a VBAC, 1 of them will have a uterine rupture. Induction does increase the chance of uterine rupture, although the numbers are still small.
A pitocin induction increases the risk to 3/4 of 1% (0.77%) And with a prostaglandin induction (cervidil or cytotec) your risk of uterine rupture increases to 2.45%.
Even without a previous cesarean, there is always a very small (0.012%) risk of uterine rupture.
I'm glad that you and your baby are ok. Congratulations on the birth of your 4th daughter (I have 4 daughters myself!)
Sincerely,
Dorothy H, LCCE
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Answers by Expert:
Dorothy H, LCCE
Expertise
As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Experience
Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.
Organizations
Lamaze International
DONA International
Publications
International Doula Magazine
Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator.
I am a DONA-certified birth doula.
Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes.
I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.
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