Ruptured uterus in a primigravida: a case report

Maternal mortality and morbidity have remained very high in the developing countries and one of its commonest causes is ruptured uterus, which in a primigravida is rather unusual. The patient reported was a primigravida with no previous uterine scar who had prenatal care and delivery of a live male infant at a private clinic in Ibadan. The identifiable aetiological factors in this case are pitocin augmentation and manual removal of the placenta. Fortunately, a timely exploratory laparatomy averted another mortality. This is not usually the case in the majority of high-risk patients labouring outside a proper hospital setting consequent upon a declining economy and the rising influence of religion. Methods to reduce this obstetric catastrophy are discussed.