BACKGROUND: Uterine dehiscence and rupture are serious complications of pregnancy after a cesarean delivery. Management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in second trimester can be controversial. CASE: A woman with a previous cesarean delivery was diagnosed with a uterine dehiscence at 20 weeks in the area of her prior cesarean incision. Although she was counseled regarding risks to herself and the fetus, she decided to continue the pregnancy. She was, therefore, managed expectantly until 31 weeks and delivered by cesarean because of fetal heart rate decelerations. The infant did well and was discharged home at 3 weeks of age. The patient remained asymptomatic after delivery. CONCLUSION: With close monitoring, expectant management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in the second trimester is possible.
BACKGROUND: Uterine dehiscence and rupture are serious complications of pregnancy after a cesarean delivery. Management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in second trimester can be controversial. CASE: A woman with a previous cesarean delivery was diagnosed with a uterine dehiscence at 20 weeks in the area of her prior cesarean incision. Although she was counseled regarding risks to herself and the fetus, she decided to continue the pregnancy. She was, therefore, managed expectantly until 31 weeks and delivered by cesarean because of fetal heart rate decelerations. The infant did well and was discharged home at 3 weeks of age. The patient remained asymptomatic after delivery. CONCLUSION: With close monitoring, expectant management of uterine dehiscence diagnosed in the second trimester is possible.