The placenta attaches to the inside of the mother’s uterus and then connects to the baby through the umbilical cord. The placenta is an organ that the mother’s body creates during pregnancy to nourish the baby. The uterus is also referred to as the mother’s “womb.” The uterus is a muscular organ that contracts during labor to force the baby through the birth canal for a vaginal delivery. The uterus is the organ in the mother’s body that holds the baby during pregnancy. Uterine rupture is a dangerous complication of pregnancy that can be life-threatening to the mother and the baby. Uterine Rupture, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and Cerebral Palsy Cases As the child grows, the brain injury that happened because of the uterine rupture manifests with abnormal movements which are diagnosed as cerebral palsy. That brain injury affects the parts of the baby’s brain that control movement, posture, cognition or thinking. The asphyxia damages the brain cells and tissues and results in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy which is a brain injury cause by lack of blood and oxygen. When uterine rupture deprives the baby of blood and oxygen, the baby develops asphyxia. The blood contains the oxygen that is necessary for the baby’s brain and other vital organs. Uterine rupture disrupts the flow of blood to the baby. Uterine rupture can cause birth asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. Signs of placental abruption include changes in the baby’s heart rate (fetal heart rate changes or fetal distress), abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding.Ĭan Uterine Rupture Cause Birth Asphyxia, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and Cerebral Palsy? If the placenta tears away from the wall of the uterus, there may also be a placental abruption. When the uterus ruptures, the placenta, which is attached to the wall of the uterus, can also be damaged and may tear away. Uterine Rupture and Placental Abruption.The mother may experience a sudden onset of abdominal pain. The strength of the uterine contractions recorded on the fetal heart monitor may weaken, indicating that the muscular uterus is not functioning properly. The baby’s heart rate may slow, sometimes dramatically, indicating fetal distress and lack of blood flow and oxygen to the baby. Signs of uterine rupture include:Ībnormal fetal heart rate. Hospitals and medical providers who have caused harm to patients through an act of malpractice can be held accountable for damages that the patient and the baby suffer as a result, including medical bills, future medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Failed to recognize the early signs of uterine rupture.Failed to provide continuous fetal monitoring.Gave Cytotec to a mother in labor who had a C-section before (VBAC).