Unique case of urinary retention secondary to incarcerated gravid uterus

Incarcerated gravid uterus (IGU) is a rare disease process where the retroflexed uterus becomes trapped within the pelvis preventing normal pregnancy development. IGU's presenting chief complaints are common complaints that can occur in a normal pregnancy. It has a high delayed diagnosis rate, and a high morbidity and mortality to the pregnancy and to the pregnant patient. It is important for emergency medicine physicians to recognize this diagnosis, appropriately treat the acute complications and ensure follow up with our obstetrics colleagues.