Abnormal uterus

[Family999]

Hi had a HSG test done today and the lady at the hospital said my tubes were fine but my uterus shape was "different/abnormal(can't remember the word she actually used. She said I would be prone to miscarriages due to the shape as may not be able to carry baby full term. Have pcos and trying for baby no1, today really threw me off guard as didn't expect to hear this.. can anyone share or relate if they have been through this.hope to hear back.......

Bicornate uterus?

I had one of those tests after suffering with infertility and they said the same. I did have 2 miscarriages, after fertility treatment (which was quite probably unrelated to the shape of my uterus) but then carried 2 full term babies. It’s always very painful to have smear tests too, as it’s at a funny angle, apparently, but doesn’t tilt the way they normally do! Good luck!

It's either septate or bicornate
(Similar but different conditions), you might havr heard of it being refered to as a heart shaped womb. Mine is, well was, septate and I'm currently 26 weeks pregnant. I had minor surgery to correct prior to trying for this pregnancy. Also had checks between 14 & 22 weeks to check I wasn't showing signs of incompetent cervix, which causes v prem birth and they can take steps to prevent.

It depends on the degree to which the shape is changed as to the impact on any pregnancy. Are you being referred?

I'm not a medical expert but uteruses are flexible and not un-often "non-conformist" in shape to a degree, not surprising considering that women have to squish in our colons and reproductive organs in the same cavity space whereas men have greater abdominal cavity space. Did you know that the female colon is approximately 10cms longer than the male's? The extra length is likely due to extra twists and turns needed to fit a colon in alongside a uterus etc...

Anyway, I had a screening colonoscopy several years ago due to a family history (I was in my late twenties) and I got called back by a panicked young (male, don't know if it's relevant) gastroenterologist who said that a suspicious bulge was pressing against my colon. So I go back, drink nasty contrast prep drink and have a enema (no warning!) before having a CT scan just to discover that my uterus was pressing against my colon. The head gastroenterologist (female) was apparently very annoyed that I had to undergo these further tests for a very common physical occurrence - A tilted uterus crammed inside a rather petite frame.

Retroverted is the term for a uterus that is tilted backwards instead of forwards, but that is just a variation of normal and should not cause any difficulties with conception or pregnancy (I had one and it naturally moved to the correct place during the first trimester) - I would assume in this case it is septate or bicornate as others have said

Will you receive some follow-up paperwork so you can establish the shape of your uterus that they have identified?

Poor you OP, it's an anxious time. I was diagnosed with a uterine abnormality (uterus didelphys) early in my first pregnancy. I am not a medical expert but can share a bit. Feel free to message.

I'm now mum to a healthy ten month old and other than a slightly more anxious time I had good pregnancy and birth after due date (c-section because I didn't progress although I had tried for a 'natural' birth)

There are several different uterine abnormalities, including those people have mentioned and others. I found Dr Google contradictory and a bit scary so I would advise not to overdo it looking on the internet. This link I found one of the better ones:

www.babycenter.ca/a551934/abnormalities-of-the-uterus

Some things that helped us were-

-when pregnant we got an early private scan which identified the problem (had no idea prior to being pregnant, and no probs conceiving)

• I had consultant-led care throughout and several extra scans and appointments so felt well supported and monitored. Push for the best level of care you can.
• during birth I reached a point where I didn't feel confident about my body's ability to give birth 'naturally' (several hours into induction) and asked forcefully for a c-section. They tried to encourage me to continue naturally but ultimately respected what I said. Be strong and advocate for what feels right for you.

Best of luck OP and hope things turn out well for you

I have bicornuate uterus and 2 kids. My first child was 4lbs 15 at 38 weeks as due to the shape it can stop growth during last weeks of pregnancy. 2nd child was 6lb but I was closely monitored throughout. Can also cause baby to lie transverse (sideways) which is not ideal and possible csection but my 2 both turned in the last days and I delivered normally

My friend has a heart-shaped uterus. She had 2 miscarriages, but was never told there was a link to the shape of her uterus, both were early so it was unlikely. She also has 2 healthy DC, both delivered by Caesarean section, this was due to the shape of her uterus. Hope that helps. Your hospital lady sounds a bit insensitive. You should go and talk to a specialist.

OP.

There's some threads on the TTC and other boards in the "becoming a parent" section where others have talked about the same sort of thing, you might find that useful.

Oh Family999 I feel for you, I had similar - the ultrasound tec (after mmc) told me I had a biocornate uterus (shaped like a heart) so of course I wanted to know more.

She went to go and speak to the senior to have a chat with me, senior didn't think it necessary --probably as it was home time.

I go home, google it, get terrified.

More testing (recurrent miscarriages), thorough ultrasounds with lots of worried faces, internal exams with gynae - all this time I'm petrified.

Finally sit down with a lovely gynae, biocornate uterus is confirmed - it's not a big deal, many women have it, many women have it and never know about it. It can mean more monitoring in pregnancy and potential c section - yes it does have some higher risks of later miscarriage - not associated with early miscarriage though - but - now they are aware of it and can monitor accordingly.

Try not to stress google.

I'm not sure of the circumstances relating to your original investigation but go back to them and ask for more info for your peace of mind.

Good luck

Thank you all for reply back with your own experiences I got a appointment end of March/April with my Gyno Doctor and he hopefully will relay all the details back with further test or steps for me to take. Will keep you all updated..Just the thought of being able fall pregnant and then having a miscarriage breaks my heart.. I know it hasn't happened and it may not, but learning to love something and to know it may be taken away just kills me..i think it will take a few days to sink in but all I want is a healthy baby, to feel the joy of having a bump turn in to a reality..my heart goes out to all those who have lost their little treasures along the way and may there be a light, shining bright for us all....

I have a bicornuate uterus and managed to carry twins to 37 weeks. I did panic when they first told me at a scan at 8 weeks, and I stupidly googled it and read all sorts of scary stuff. All was fine though and it really made very little difference to my pregnancy.

@family999 i was just wondering how you got on? I just had an early scan and the woman erote possible bicornuate or septate uterus. I did see on the screen i have a heartshape uterus and now worried.