Which of the following is a sign of possible uterine rupture?

• A. Uterine tenderness or rigidity
• B. Abdominal pain or cramping
• C. Easy palpation of fetal parts
• D. Normal fetal movement

Answer: (A)

Uterine tenderness or rigidity represents a direct sign of uterine rupture because tearing of the uterine wall causes bleeding into the abdomen and irritation of the peritoneum, leading to a tense, tender, or boardlike abdomen. In a laboring patient—especially with risk factors like a prior uterine scar or induction/augmentation—this sudden, constant abdominal pain with a rigid uterus is a red flag that requires immediate evaluation and rapid action to protect both mother and fetus.

Abdominal pain or cramping can occur for many reasons during labor and is not specific to rupture. Easy palpation of fetal parts could happen if the uterus has compromised, but it’s not as dependable a sign and can be misleading. Normal fetal movement would not be expected in rupture and would be reassuring only if the clinical picture were otherwise stable.