Couvelaire uterus /ko̅o̅vəler″/ [Alexandre Couvelaire, French obstetrician, 1873–1948] , a hemorrhagic process in uterine musculature that may accompany severe abruptio placentae. Extravasated blood effuses between the muscle fibrils and under the uterine peritoneum. The uterus takes on a purplish color and does not contract well. Also called uteroplacental apoplexy. See also abruptio placentae.
