The effect of uterine rupture on fetal heart rate patterns

The high success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) and it s low association with complications has led to VBACs being attempted at al l types of facilities, including birth centers. It must be kept in mind tha t unpredictable uterine rupture can occur and that uterine rupture necessit ates emergency intervention. The only reported predictable feature of fetal heart rate patterns in response to uterine rupture is the sudden onset of fetal bradycardia. Fetal patterns are presented to illustrate this finding. (C) 1999 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.