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WARNING: Be aware that the following information describes a rare complication that some readers may find disturbing. You may choose not to read this section. |
Causes of a uterine Inversion
What your caregiver may do
Considerations
An inversion of the uterus is a rare complication that happens in about 1 in every 100,000 births (or 0.001%). The inversion happens when the uterus is literally turned 'inside out' as the inner side of the fundus (or the top of the uterus) is pushed or pulled down, to come through the cervix and into the vagina. This pulls on the supporting uterine ligaments, causing a sudden, sharp pain, bleeding (if the placenta has only partially separated) and the woman feeling that 'something is in her vagina'. In some cases the woman can collapse and go into shock (looking pale, sweaty, low blood pressure, heart beating rapidly and passing out).
Image 7-29 shows how the uterus can invert.