The Spontaneous Uterine Rupture in Labor: When to Expect the Unexpected

Uterine rupture is a potentially life-threatening complication that is typically seen in pregnant females who have undergone prior uterine surgeries such as cesarean sections. This usually occurs when the uterine myometrium is weakened and thus is more prone to stress during labor. In an unscarred uterus, the incidence of uterine rupture is lower. Risk factors in the unscarred uterus include trauma, obstructed labor, high parity, placental abnormalities, operative deliveries, and imprudent use of uterotonic medications. This case report describes a situation in which uterine rupture occurred in the absence of the common risk factors. With prompt recognition of clinical signs, quick assembly of a team, and emergent interventions, this patient and her infant survived. The goal of this report is to educate clinicians on the occurrence of uterine rupture in an unscarred uterus and how to recognize and manage this complication.