The significance of a uterine rupture in subsequent births

To determine whether women with a previous uterine rupture have a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome in subsequent births.

A retrospective study comparing all subsequent singleton cesarean deliveries (CD) of women with a previous uterine rupture, with CD of women with no such history, during the years 1988-2011 was conducted.

Out of 34,601 singleton CD that occurred during the study period, 0.1 % (n = 46) were of women with a previous uterine rupture. Previous uterine rupture was significantly associated with preterm delivery (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), cervical tears, and dehiscence of the uterine scar. Pregnancies following a previous uterine rupture were associated with lower Apgar scores at 5 min. However, the perinatal mortality rate did not differ between the two groups. A recurrent uterine rupture occurred in 15.2 % of patients with a previous uterine rupture.

Previous uterine rupture is a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcome and specifically recurrent uterine rupture. Appropriate consultation regarding these risks is needed for patients with a previous uterine rupture.