QuestionI am 6wks. postpartum after delivering my 8lb6oz.daughter at 41wks via c-section. She spent most of the pregnancy transverse and flipped oblique anterior a few weeks before delivery. On the day of delivery I was 3cm. dilated, -3 station with no contractions. My midwife sent me for a pitocin induction so that the contractions would bring down the head. After 2 hrs., I thought my water broke, but instead blood was running down my leg. An ultrasound and vaginal exam showed no cause and I was taken to surgery. My uterus was cauterized 8 times and I bled though my bandage by the time I made it to the recovery room. Both the operating doctor and my midwife (who assisted) said that there was no visible reason for the bleeding. I was wondering, is it possible that I had a minor uterine rupture? While I had no previous sections, I have had multiple pregnancies (the last two babies born 18 mos. apart), an overdistended uterus (measured 44 weeks at 39), the fetal malpresentation, and the pitocin induction. I have read that all of these could be factors. If it was a rupture, would a v-bac be inadvisable? Thank you very much for answering my question
AnswerHello,
Congrats on your daughter! Well, there are several things that could have happened. You could have had a placental separation that caused the bleeding. You could have had a rupture, but if you had a c-section, that can usually be seen. It may be more unclear if you began to rupture from the inside of the uterus but it didn't completely open at the tear.
A uterine rupture will usually result in a immediate c-section. No time for ultrasounds. Ever. It can be a life threatening event.
I would lean more toward a portion of the placenta possibly separating.
The over distention of your uterus could have played a factor as well at the short period between pregnancies.
If they did not find a definitive reason for the bleed, I doubt you will be able to find ANY doctor who would consider you laboring. That's sad, but true.
More information on VBACS can be found at http://www.vbac.com
That may be helpful in helping you make a decision.
Good luck to you :)
