Uterine Inversion Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Uterine inversion is a rare but potentially life‑threatening complication of childbirth. It happens when the placenta stays attached to the uterus and, as it comes out, pulls the uterus inside‑out and sometimes down into or through the vagina.

In a typical vaginal birth, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is delivered within about 30 minutes after the baby is born. With uterine inversion, this normal process does not happen, and emergency care is required.

In Grand Rapids, uterine inversion is treated as an obstetric emergency at major birthing hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and other local labor and delivery units.

How Common Is Uterine Inversion?

Uterine inversion is rare. Estimates vary from about 1 in 2,000 labors to as few as 1 in several hundred thousand. Because it is uncommon but very serious, obstetric teams in Grand Rapids are trained to recognize and treat it immediately.

Despite prompt care, uterine inversion can be dangerous. The reported survival rate for the mother is around 85%, with deaths usually linked to:

  • Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage)
  • Shock (a life‑threatening drop in blood pressure and organ perfusion)

Grades of Uterine Inversion

Uterine inversion is graded by how far the uterus has turned inside‑out:

  • Incomplete inversion
    The top of the uterus (fundus) collapses inward, but does not pass through the cervix.

  • Complete inversion
    The uterus is turned inside‑out and extends through the cervix into the vagina.

  • Prolapsed inversion
    The fundus of the uterus protrudes out of the vaginal opening.

  • Total inversion
    Both the uterus and the vagina are turned inside‑out. This is more often seen with uterine tumors or cancer than with childbirth.

These grades help your Grand Rapids obstetric team determine the safest and fastest treatment.

Risk Factors for Uterine Inversion

Uterine inversion can occur without any clear risk factors, but certain conditions increase the likelihood:

Labor and Delivery Factors

  • Prior deliveries (multiparity)
    Women who have had multiple births may have a slightly higher risk.

  • Prolonged labor (more than 24 hours)
    Long or difficult labors can stress the uterus.

  • Use of magnesium sulfate
    Magnesium sulfate, sometimes used in labor to prevent seizures (e.g., with preeclampsia), relaxes the uterus and may contribute to inversion in rare cases.

  • Short umbilical cord
    A very short cord can pull more strongly on the uterus during placental delivery.

  • Excess traction on the umbilical cord
    Pulling too hard on the cord to speed up placental delivery, especially when the placenta is attached high on the fundus, can trigger inversion.

Placental and Uterine Conditions

  • Placenta accreta
    The placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, making it difficult to detach.

  • Congenital uterine abnormalities or weakness
    Some women are born with structural differences or weaker uterine muscle that may increase risk.

Because uterine inversion is so serious, obstetric providers in Grand Rapids hospitals follow evidence‑based protocols for controlled cord traction and careful monitoring of the third stage of labor (delivery of the placenta) to reduce risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Inversion

Prompt diagnosis is crucial and can be lifesaving. Symptoms often appear suddenly, usually right after the baby is born and while the placenta is being delivered.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Visible mass in or outside the vagina
    The uterus may be seen or felt protruding from the vagina.

  • Absent or displaced fundus on abdominal exam
    When your doctor or midwife feels your abdomen, the top of the uterus (fundus) is not where it should be, or cannot be felt at all.

  • Heavy postpartum bleeding
    Blood loss is much greater than normal after delivery.

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
    The mother may feel dizzy, weak, or faint.

  • Signs of shock

    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Pale, cool, or clammy skin
    • Confusion or agitation
    • Decreased urine output

In some Grand Rapids hospitals, ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis, but treatment usually begins immediately based on clinical exam because time is critical.

How Uterine Inversion Is Treated in Grand Rapids

Treatment depends on how severe the inversion is, how much bleeding is occurring, and the mother’s overall condition. At Grand Rapids facilities such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, uterine inversion is managed as a medical emergency.

Immediate Stabilization

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids
    To support blood pressure and circulation.

  • Blood transfusion
    If there has been significant blood loss, blood products are given to replace lost blood and improve oxygen delivery.

  • Monitoring in an intensive care or high‑acuity obstetric unit
    Close observation may be needed for a few days to watch for ongoing bleeding, infection, or organ complications.

Repositioning the Uterus

The main goal is to return the uterus to its normal position as quickly and safely as possible.

Treatment options include:

  • Manual reinsertion by hand
    The doctor pushes the uterus back into place through the vagina. This is often done immediately in the delivery room.

  • Medications to relax the uterus
    Drugs such as nitroglycerin or certain anesthetic agents may be used to soften the uterus and make repositioning easier.

  • Hydrostatic correction
    Saline solution is gently flushed into the vagina, using water pressure to help “inflate” and push the uterus back into its normal position.

  • General anesthesia
    If manual repositioning is difficult or too painful, it may be done in an operating room under general anesthesia.

  • Abdominal surgery (laparotomy)
    If manual and hydrostatic methods fail or if there are other complications, surgeons may perform abdominal surgery to reposition the uterus.

Care of the Placenta

Whether the placenta is removed before or after the uterus is repositioned depends on:

  • How firmly the placenta is attached
  • How swollen and engorged with blood it is
  • The judgment and preferences of the obstetric team

Options include:

  • Manual detachment of the placenta before repositioning
  • Repositioning the uterus with the placenta still attached, then removing it surgically

Some physicians avoid removing the placenta first because it can worsen bleeding. In those cases, surgery may be the safer approach.

Preventing Infection and Recurrence

After the uterus is back in place, additional treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics
    To reduce the risk of infection, especially after surgery or heavy bleeding.

  • Oxytocin (Pitocin) by IV
    To stimulate uterine contractions, help the uterus stay in place, and reduce bleeding.

  • Emergency hysterectomy
    In extreme cases, when bleeding cannot be controlled and the mother’s life is at high risk, surgical removal of the uterus may be necessary.

Future Pregnancies After Uterine Inversion

A woman who has experienced uterine inversion is at increased risk of recurrence in future pregnancies, although it is still rare.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have had a uterine inversion:

  • Tell every future obstetric provider (OB‑GYN, midwife, family doctor) about your history.
  • Make sure your complication is clearly documented in your medical records at local systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health.
  • Your care team can:
    • Plan delivery in a hospital with full obstetric, anesthesia, and surgical support
    • Ensure rapid access to operating rooms and blood products
    • Have appropriate equipment and anesthesia support available in the labor and delivery unit

With careful planning and close monitoring, many women go on to have safe subsequent pregnancies and births in Grand Rapids hospitals.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids, MI

Living in West Michigan brings some specific health context:

  • Cold winters and icy roads can increase emergency response times in severe weather. Delivering at a hospital with 24/7 obstetric and surgical coverage is especially important for high‑risk pregnancies.
  • The Grand Rapids metro area has a large network of maternity care providers, including OB‑GYNs, certified nurse‑midwives, and maternal‑fetal medicine specialists who can help manage complex pregnancies.
  • The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health offer support services for pregnant and postpartum women, including:
    • Prenatal education
    • Breastfeeding support
    • Home visiting programs
    • Referrals for high‑risk obstetric care

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in Grand Rapids and have concerns about uterine inversion or any prior birth complications, ask for a referral to a maternal‑fetal medicine specialist at one of the major hospital systems.

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider or go to a local emergency department if:

  • You are pregnant and have questions about your labor risk or past uterine inversion.
  • You experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or feel faint after delivery (at home, a birth center, or hospital).

Where to Get Help

  • OB‑GYN or midwife in Grand Rapids
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital – Labor & Delivery
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Labor & Delivery
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health locations serving the Grand Rapids region
  • Kent County Health Department – for referrals and maternal health resources
  • Emergency services (call 911) if you have severe bleeding, feel like you might pass out, or have signs of shock

Key Points About Uterine Inversion

  • Uterine inversion occurs when the placenta remains attached and pulls the uterus inside‑out, often immediately after birth.
  • It is rare but life‑threatening, mainly due to massive hemorrhage and shock.
  • Risk factors include prior deliveries, prolonged labor, magnesium sulfate use, short umbilical cord, excessive pulling on the cord, placenta accreta, and uterine abnormalities.
  • Treatment in Grand Rapids hospitals focuses on:
    • Rapid stabilization with IV fluids and blood transfusions
    • Manual or surgical repositioning of the uterus
    • Antibiotics to prevent infection
    • Oxytocin to help the uterus contract and prevent recurrence
    • Emergency hysterectomy only in severe, life‑threatening cases
  • A history of uterine inversion increases the risk in future pregnancies, so it is essential to inform your Grand Rapids maternity care team and plan delivery in a fully equipped hospital.

If you have questions about uterine inversion, talk with your OB‑GYN or a maternal‑fetal medicine specialist at one of Grand Rapids’ major healthcare systems. They can review your history, explain your personal risk, and help you plan a safe birth.