PURPOSE: To evaluate the cases of uterine rupture and dehiscence of the uterine scar at a low-risk maternity and to point out possibilities for an improved approach to these complications. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at a 30-bed low-risk maternity hospital that provides care to users of the public health system. The investigation was carried out by searching for cases in the delivery room registry book and later reading the medical records in order to obtain the data. The information was inserted on a form previously elaborated for this study. Cases of uterine rupure and dehiscence of the uterine scar diagnosed from 1998 to 2012 were included, with the determination of incidence, aspects related to risk factors and diagnosis, association with the use of misoprostol and oxytocin, and the outcomes observed. RESULTS: A total of 39,206 deliveries were performed in this maternity during the study period, with 12 cases of uterine rupture and 16 cases of dehiscence of uterine scar being observed. The most relevant results were a high perinatal mortality associated with uterine rupture and the unsuccessful diagnosis of this complications. It was not possible to demonstrate an association with the use of misoprostol or oxytocin. CONCLUSION: The adverse outcomes of uterine rupture could be minimized if efforts were directed at improving the diagnostic performance of the assisting teams. © 2014 Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia. All rights reserved.