At my early scan this week I was told that I've got a tilted uterus. When I asked what that meant, I was told that it made the scan harder to do. My notes state that my uterus is "retroverted". I've given birth naturally twice and didn't have a problem and was never told about my uterus during those 2 pregnancies. Is this likely to be a problem for my current pregnancy/birth?

don't know exact ins and outs but I've got one two and it's very common. shouldn't cause any complications.

i mean i've got one too !

Pamina3 - it just means that the top of the uterus is tilted backwards and the bottom forwards. Usually it's the other way round with the top of the uterus further forward than the bottom.

About 20% of women have a retroverted uterus.

I have too! I was only told it after a scan on ds2.

I've had no ill effect whatsoever - apparently it can make conception more difficult but, as usual, I prove otherwise as I got pregnant with all 3 of mine at the first attempt!

Should say, it has no effect on pregnancy or birth at all from what I've read and from experience.

Nothing for you to worry about

Thanks! I assumed it couldn't be too bad, given that I've not had any problems in the past, but the way I was told made it sound like I was a freak!!

Hi Pamina! Can I crash your thread?

Just to justify it, let me start by saying that I too have been told by doc that having a retroverted uterus causes no problems in pregnancy or birth.

I was told years ago that I had a very tilted womb and so my cervix was also very tilted and in effect 'round a corner', which made doing smear tests rather hard. I always assumed that it was retroverted, but when I had a scan last week they noted that it was anteverted - which I assume means tilting forward.

Does anyone know if this has any implications for ttc? In particular, the old advice to put your bum on pillows after sex - does this risk pooling the sperm in the wrong place if your cervix is anteverted? Should I be lying on my stomach instead?

This should probably go on the ttc area but if anyone has any idea please let me know.

Hugs to you and your wonky womb, Ms P.

Feel free to crash all you like! Hope you get an answer to your question as quickly as I did.
Hugs to you too.

LOL at the 'wonky womb' - Hester.

Never heard of anteverted one, Hester - sorry - but I have retroverted womb too and never had any problems with pregnancy or conceiving (quite the opposite in fact - on no. 4 now )

hester - I've got one like you describe and I fell pregnant twice naturally. FWIW my husband had a v.low sperm count, so I dont think it could have hindered anything o/wise I'd have never conceived.

Redshoes - d'you think it could have been a misprint and perhaps conception should be easier?? Dh and I seem to just need to pass on the stairs

Gobbledegook - I agree could be a misprint - I was also told at my 12 week scan that I had a tilted uterus (was unaware of this 1st time round) - I also conceived v. quickly both times (even though, at 38, 2nd time, I thought it would take ages).

pamina, I also have one, found out at an early scan with this preg. I gave birth to dd with no complications - I was only told that perhaps I would show a little later until the baby got bigger, if that makes any sense.

I'm not even sure I was in the same room when I conceived! Definitely a trend here!

And that showing later business?? I look enormous from the off!

hi! a months ago my ob told me that my uterus is rethroverted that's why i have an irregular menstruation, but she told me that i dont have to worry bout coz i can still have a baby. After the unsafe sex i had menstruation for bout 4days and the fifth day is just a stain but normally my period long for 6days, and for the next month i have'nt menstruation up to this month. do you think i am pregnant? before i had the feeling that i am coz i always feel dizzy and always feel hungry everytime and i became too moody, and there was an incident that i am with my sister watching dance contest with our friend in the middle i fell down without knowing it, i think it last for a mins to wake me up and stand, after that i walked like nothings happened at all. i want to check if i am pregnant or not but im scared if it is a false alarm.

I have this and it did make conceiving ds1 more difficult - until the doctor told us how to accommodate it - then I was pregnant within a month.

Ds2 conceived after 2 months so we have obviously got the hang of it.

Never made any difference to pregnancy / birth as far as I know.

I've got one and it just made early scans a bit trickier to do. The sonographer has always got there in the end, but it seems to take lots of attempts (rather frustrating with a full bladder).

I had one and was told when I had my diaphragm fitted, years ago...Ds1 was conceived quite easily, ds2 also and I don't think it caused any probs - in fact I was told most retroverted uteruses(?) revert so are anteverted after the first child, ie 'normal'.

I think mine did this although can't be sure.

I did have a TVscan when 5 weeks with Ds1 and that was because they couldn't get an image externally - prob due to being retroverted.

Btw, WB - how exactly were you told to 'accommodate' it? <nosy>

I have a retroverted uterus.......I have had since birth probably (they found mine was when I was 18 and had to have a laparoscopy, diagnosing polycystic overies!).

apparently, altho not really rare, it is not common (no idea on statistics tho).

I was told that concieving would be difficult, (altho with PCO it would be anyway), yet I am now a mum of five, all concieved with NO problems.

pregnancy and birth weren't effected, but I did have probs thro scarring on tubes conected to the PCO.

the only thing really that effects me to do with my uterus being tipped, is that when I am having a period, the cramps effect my bowel (as it is kind of sitting on top), and so gives me pooh issues (sorry for the TMI). also gives me worse period pains too apparently, but then people with 'normal' uterus' have bad period pains too, so pain is subjective anyway!

I honestly can tell you that, for me, it hasn't effected my life at all.......altho I don't know any different!!

Gosh Psychomum, I always kind of assumed everyone had poo issues with their period...perhaps I was wrong

oh I always assumed everyone had poo issues with periods as well (also retroverted)

psychomum - Is that TMI thing true??? Explains a lot - I'm retroverted too <thoughtful emoticon>

LOL at us lot!



Should start a society!

we should start a retroverted club! i too am retroverted and was told that it would make conception more difficult, but on #2 now after falling pg first month with both pg's!

and agree with whoever said about showing less - i've stuck out like a sort thumb since pretty much doing the test each time

I have a retroverted uterus too (yurt, aparalell lives-my god) and I also though everyone had poo issues whilst having a period

flightattendant I assume wb means her dr told her to prop her bum up after sex.

I had problems, well it took ages to conceive dd and when i went for my smear the nurse said 'oh you you are retroverted, if you ever want a baby you will have to prop your bum up after sex' I then fell pregnant maybe the first or second month after trying this method god knows how I had the two unplanned children though

ooh....started something now haven't I....

yup....the pooh issues ARE true, and it was my doctor that told me that it was normal to have pooh issues with a tilted uterus.

for what it worth tho, for those with a 'normal' uterus, they have more likelyhood of 'wee issues' while on AF, as their bladder is irritated by the womb contracting while you are on.

And yes, the cramps while having a period are actually mini contractions as that is how the blood is flushed out.

my MIL always seemed to have cystitis type pain while 'on', so she tells me......I have poo issues.

and LOL ot fio with the bum propping.

I was told that propping your bum up made girlie babies, and not led to boy babies!!!!

no idea who told me this actually.....and makes NO sense, as I have only actively tried for one of mine, yet I have 3girlies and 2 boys.

Blimey. No one can tell me now that I waste time on MN! Tis a learning experience every day.

Thanks fio! I'm not sure how I managed to conceive Ds2 then. I was on top and jumped off immediately as Ds1 woke up downstairs!

Haha

It means it tips back, I also have one. Can cause problems with conception I was told when I saw the recurrent miscarriage specialist.

Didn't cause my any problems during pregnancy or the birth though as it tips forwards to the usual position once the babygrows, around 15ish weeks I believe.

warning

Well, umm, you do everything reversed by 180 degrees.
So rather than trying to conceive using the missionary position then lying on your back w. a pillow under your hips, I was told to try things like doggy style, or on side then lie on my front.

All to do with helping the sperm flow from vagina to uterus.........

Ho ho ho, I'm a retro person too! I was told that your womb tilts to the 'normal' position later in pregnancy because of the weight, but I think that sounds iffy!

I also have poopy periods! I definitely think a club is in order, shall we ask Tech to start a section in talk?

Look. If we start a club, let it be known that am I NOT going to wear the club t-shirt ok!

Right, now I have that bit out of the way, not sure about the harder to conceive bit either. First two DCs totally unplanned - no trying involved.

On the tilting to normal position later in pregnancy, I very clearly remember when my MW tilted my uterus for me when labour started with DD2. Things were a bit slow and she had an investigation into things and said 'oh your uterus is still tilted, I'll just move it for you'
My god, I think that is something I'll always remember OUCH. I have no idea if it had anything to do with my retroness but I'll ask her when I next see her - though, being pg with DC3, not sure I'm going to want to know if I'm going to have to have it done again.

Ooh that might explain why no-one can ever find my cervix as well. I was told by my gynae I had a 'shy' cervix and I wondered what the blinking flip she was going on about. Turned out she couldn't find it because it was lurking way back.

I did think about suggesting she used GPS she was down there so long

<pondering how a t-shirt would look>

nah.....I don't want one either!!!!

FWIW, I know that my uterus went 'right way up' about the time that I felt baby move for the first time, so about 20weeks. I know that because the sonographer didn't comment on it at my 20wk scan, yet they had at any earlier scans.

another thing I have found with having a tilted uterus.....makes smears rather painful and the nurse often has to get the doctor in and there is always 'hmmming' and 'ahhhing' going on!!!!

am wondering about the sex angle thing tho, as metioned before........doggy-style hurts like hell for me, yet friends don't say it is for them. (unless I am just odd in other ways of course)

psychomum - yes it hurts for me too - DH thinks it is an excuse

Perhaps a t shirt is wrong.....maybe a cloth bag in a weird shape, with the handles at the bottom

I have a tilted uterus - coil fitting was interesting Have smear on friday - will let you know

Coby ((hijack)) who are you an advisor for?

I was told by the consultant doing my lap & dye last month that mine tilts backwards and that I should lie on my belly after sex.

Psychomum5, my smears are always awkward and painful too and I can't do doggy either as it's so painful.

i had my coil fitted under a general anaesthetic, altho I was having laser stuff and other surgery done for endometriosis, so was not cos I am a wimp (altho DH would tell you I am).

am sooooo not gonna get the coil taken out while awake tho.....the last smear ended with me sobing while trying not to clim the walls, the pain was so bad!

and as for 'sex postitions'.......DH always reckons that I am making excuses

<bag idea.....am thinking>

Octothechildherder - Local nappy projects and independant too. Why do you ask??

curiosity I am an ex-advisor for you know who!

am liking the fact that I am not alone with the painful sex......DH can stop pickin on me!!!!

That sounds awful Gulp.

I just told me DH that my excuse is officially correct and valid - he gave me a look as though he wants to do nasty things to my laptop (not for the first time )

Octo - the ones on a stick??

coby......my DH wants to do bad things to the lap top every night.......not just when I am making up sex excuses

yeah, so does mine really. This evening he has just run in, switched the TV to Channel four and shouted 'the new series of Grand Designs has just started!' - he must want me off MN badly if I am allowed to swoon at Kevin McCloud!

spike spike spike.....<swoon>.....torchwood

Yes the ones on a stick - I still work for them on occasion.

saving up to work for them too...may be a long time though, just depends how well the independant bit goes. I am a softy and do far too much for free or at cost

Octo - just seen your Q for me on the nappy board wasn't really ignoring you honest

yeah yeah - so do you want to work for them?

I was told I had a retroverted uterus when pg with no 1 but that it would 'correct' itself during the course of pg. No problems conceiving; we are the joke about well your parents must have done 'it' at least twice.

I hardly showed until 28-9 weeks with both mine pgs, did anyone else have this? I had the idea the babies were hiding round the back!! And then suddenly my womb under the increasing weight popped to the front!

yeah think so. The outlay is a bit high IMO (for what you get) and there are other nappies I would be happier to sell (even inc those on their extended list) so independent probably suits me more .. some of their own nappies are suprisingly good though I thought. Why did you stop? How do you only work for them sometimes?

I was an advisor and county leader and had huge turnover but left when ds2 out of nappies but work for them at the baby shows. I loved working for them but it sound slike if you are into other nappies, it may not suit you. You could stock their nappies though.

yeah, I'm still thinking it through. Their nappies are fab but I find myself recommending bumbles a fair bit which aren't on their list I believe. That said, I know I would love the job so...who knows. Many of the council advisors are agents and they make a killing sometimes apparently

what's a county leader?

In charge of supporting advisors across the county and promoting sales.

((apologies for thread hijack!))

Ooohhhh <bows down>

apologies me from me too

Wow there are loads of us out there. Well conceiving was difficult here - it took 4 years. From what I've read now it seems I was doing everything the "wrong way round" for me. I didn't show much for ages in pregnancy. And smears are a living hell and even worse now than they were before.

I never showed in pregnancy until very late.

In fact, when pregnant with DD1 (DC1), my neighour spotted me at the gate one morning and asked if I was pregnant. I replied yes, and she asked when I was due.
"TODAY" was my answer, and she almost fell over......she had truly never noticed even tho we had chatted...I hadn't mentioned it either as it didn't come up in any conversation!

I hasten to add tho that I did show earlier than that in my other pregnancy, altho never got bigger than needing a sz14 normal clothing.

I never got any stretch marks either, but that may be totally unconnected and may now be flamed completely........

psychomum <wishing> i had loads of stretch marks described as "very angry" by all and sundry who saw them.

i'm liking a bag idea

Not sure if this is at all the same thing but my uterus face the wrong way all together !!! my mum has the same thing!

ooh...wonder if it is hereditary then...

I don't know about my mother as she is too ill now to ask/know, but I do know that prolaspe seems to be passed down in our family, as is endometriosis, so would be an interesting thought.

I got 3 daughter, so am intrigued about them now....

I've got a heart shaped uterus apparently.

Sounds romantic but definately DID cause fertility issues.

I was told by one consultant that my uterus was also tipped but nobody else ever mentioned it. Think they were all too amazed by my heart shaped organ.

Well, its hereditary in my family, in so far as my mum has a 'shy' cervix too (I love that expression - puts me in mind of a timid woodland creature

And yes, smears are horrible - the first one I ever had left me shaking, bleeding, in tears and feeling like I'd been assualted. Doctor commented 'oh sorry, I expect I've put you off for life now' Cow

vulgar....my ex step-mum had a heart shaped uterus.

fertility didn't seem to be an issue (she fell for me half rother easily), but she did have to have a c-section as the shape meant baby went breech and stayed put (well, so she explained to me).

did it effect you like that?, or is it just coincidence?

liking the 'shy cervix' comments.....

altho they should stop being shy when the docs are around for smears.....would love to have pain-free smears like they tell me they are (bloody liars, the lots of them!!!)

No, in that my boy was head down and ready to go quite early on but I did end up having a ECS due to him being distressed.

I have had a few miscarriages and was told this could have been the reason.

for the miscarriages. my sympathies there, nothing is ever as easy as it should be at times.

for your DS tho, and I hope he and you recovered well from the ECS?

Yes, we're all fine.

I would have liked another one but I feel lucky to have him.

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

.

{{{hugs}}} vulgar for the mc's. nature is sometimes so tough isn't it. glad you have your ds though

i too have awful smear experiences and had to have laser surgery so more smears before and after it and then also the injections for the anasthetic for the laser surgery were dreadful. he did mention i had a really small cervix tho. nothing about it being shy .

so who's working on the bag then??? we could have it heart shaped as well

I have a retroverted uterus, completely tilted back, and i'm told its rather like being left handed - 1 out of 5 has one, and its just a variation of normal.

That said, i can't do doggy style very well, it is like being impaled on a pole, because my uterus tips backwards.

LOL at all the info we share with regards to smears, poo, and sex positions.

wonder what our DH's would think if they read thsi thread....

Loving this thread even though it's gone quiet, thought I'd add my tuppence. I've got one too - woo!

Sonographer told me at early scan a few weeks ago and its taken us around 18months to conceive with both PGs. No wonder as I was waving my legs round in the air instead of being on the tummy.

Was also told by sonog that it would right itself during the PG (how come it didn;t stay that way then after DD was born?)

Smears v painful too. Nice to be a club member. Such a relief to know you share these odd experiences with others eh? Waiting for the cloth bag with upside down handles

I used to have one, but it made both my AF and sex a lot more painful so I had surgery to correct the retroversion. THe op was horrible (though don't panic, this was in 1985 and the techniques have moved on massively since then; a friend of mine had hers surgically corrected as well and was in and out the same day with a keyhole incision whereas I have something not unlike a c-section scar to this day.) but I do not regret it, it stopped my aches and pains.

Hello, I'm really confused - if you have a tilted cervix (apprently mine in v far back and to the left!) does it mean I should lie on my tummy or lie on my back with hips up when I try to conceive?