Several symptoms have been identified, but do not necessarily occur with every uterine rupture . Signs of uterine rupture that may or may not be present. To date, studies have shown that a uterine rupture can be detected by electronic fetal monitoring because the women in these studies laboring for a VBAC were monitored electronically. It is important to note that with a uterine rupture, labor sometimes continues, there is no loss of uterine tone or amplitude of contractions. Although uterine scar ruptures for women laboring for a VBAC are rare, the medical response is a rapid cesarean.
Studies show that when a surgical team responds quickly mothers and babies do well.
Birthing facilities vary in their guidelines and protocols for VBAC and response time to uterine rupture or to any other unforeseen complication of labor. Most guidelines allow for a maximum response time of 30 minutes . However, at least one US study reported better outcomes when the response time was 18 minutes or less. Women who receive good prenatal care, whose care providers are trained and experienced with VBAC, and who labor in a facility that is equipped to provide immediate medical care usually have good outcomes. Women who are thinking about laboring for a VBAC at home may want to consider and make plans for the rare possibility of a uterine rupture.