Uterine Incarceration Causing Significant Bladder Overdistension: Missing the Opportunity to Intervene

Background: Incarcerated gravid uterus can lead to significant urinary obstruction and retention. Case: A 41-year-old multiparous woman presented at 16 weeks of gestation with urinary retention of approximately 6 liters. She had been misdiagnosed by multiple practitioners prior to her presentation. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination and bedside ultrasound and the incarcerated uterus was released with simple transurethral urinary bladder decompression. Conclusion: Close observation of a gravid woman with a retroverted uterus is key to recognizing uterine incarceration. Early detection and intervention, if warranted, can potentially avoid serious maternal and fetal complications.