Antepartum uterine rupture in previous caesarean sections presenting as advanced extrauterine pregnancies: Lessons learnt

In present day obstetric practice, rupture of a previously scarred uterus should be uncommon. It occurs in <1% of previous caesarean sections and most cases occur during labour and have evidence of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, vaginal bleeding and continuous abdominal pains. Clinicians are alert to these symptoms and signs, and therefore immediate action is taken to prevent further maternal morbidity and mortality. However, rupture of a previously scarred uterus may occur occasionally in the antepartum period. In such circumstances, the patients may be haemodynamically stable and present with loss of fetal movements and vague abdominal pains, and are treated expectantly for a period of time because an initial diagnosis of advanced extra-uterine pregnancy is made.