uterine rupture, a rare and life-threatening event in which there is a full-thickness tear or break in the uterus at the site of scarring from a previous cesarean section or other causes, possibly accompanied by displacement of the fetus and amniotic sac into the peritoneal cavity. The mother may experience acute pain because of tissue damage and irritation of the peritoneal tissues. Fetal distress is a classic symptom, usually manifested by fetal bradycardia. Excessive loss of blood may be marked by hypotension, fluid volume deficit, and altered cardiac output in the mother. Surgical intervention as quickly as possible but no longer than 30 minutes after rupture is essential to minimize the risk of maternal complications and permanent perinatal injury to the fetus.
