pregnancy with double uterus - UTERUS DIDELPHYS

[piercey]

Hi all,

Has anyone out here experienced or going through pregnancy with a double uterus?

I found out about mine when i was 18 and am now 30 at week 12 with first pregnancy :) i know all the risks etc and so far so good but i want to know if anyone had unusual discomfort or sensation during pregnancy? I've come up with a few symptoms that have baffled the docs, they are not life threatening but feel unusual so im suspecting its to do with the unusual uteri?

The first is i can already feel the baby in the left uterus(conf thats where it is), it sits on my left hip and its uncomfy to bend left leg at the hip for a long time. thats not so unusual its more the following.

The second is last few days i have a really heavy sensation down below, and the feeling like i was 'loosing a tampon', docs have ruled out prolapse and bladder infection, i get heavy sensation during period which the doc thought was odd and this is just a stronger version of that.

I have 2 cervix's and find them really sensitive, i sometimes get shooting pains in them(this was b4 i was preggers) does anyone else get this?

think am looking for some comfort, have gone through the rigmarol for years of it being an unusual thing anyway so tying to find this kind of advice of what its actually like during pregnancy is really difficult :confused: also am wondering how much is normal, just not normal as experienced by most women with normal anatomy who Ive spoken to :(

xx

xx

Hi Piercey,
I hope you had a good pregnancy and a healthy baby since you wrote this message.
I am now 10 weeks pregnant at 37 with heart shaped uterus and two cervix, I was looking for somebody who is sharing the same situation as me I came across with your message. I have just come back from A&E as I have been having period like shooting pain and very little bleeding; this is my second time having bleeding during my pregnancy so far but this time it's very painful.
I am going to have a scan tomorrow with a consultant so fingers crossed hoping everything is ok. Reading that you already started feeling the baby moving at 12 weeks, I quite like to find out more about your further weeks so that'd would be great if you could write your experiences here for me.

xx

Hi both,

I'm in a similar situation. I'm 35 yo and 5+5 pregnant after ICSI and 2 years TTC. Our problems were caused by my having a unicornate uterus (basically half a womb) and only one tube.

There doesn't seem to be very much info out there on uterine abnormalities and what I have found always focuses on the risks; in my case increased risk of MC, pre term labour and fewer live births than normal folks. All pretty miserable really .

My main fear at the moment is that my symptoms have totally subsided. I'm concerned things have stopped developing and I just don't feel pregnant anymore . Rang FC this morning but they've said unless I start to bleed there's nothing they can do until my scan on 17th. They won't even take bloods to check HGC levels...bloody NHS .

Anyway, really just like to get some support from people in a similar situation. There don't seem to be many.

Piercey really hope things worked out well for you and you got a healthy baby.

yrenton hope your scan went well yesterday.

I have a bicornate uterus - very deeply heartshaped (almost divided in two), and one cervix.
I only found out when having my second baby, when a scan revealed my coil in one half and the baby in the other.
I bled at regular intervals in both pregnancies, but other than that everything was normal.
The bleeding was very worrying, but I found out afterwards that it is common with a bicornate uterus.

I have two gorgeous and healthy daughters, now in their twenties.

Hope all pregnancies go well - I just wanted to share a 'good' story.

Hi Piercey

I have this condition. Have 2 children.

1st pregnancy - I found that I had a very large bump, which I think was because baby had to go outwards rather then sideways. I also could feel baby was on the right and from very early on.. I did end up with a prolapse. Do you have a vaginal septum? I did and it had to be cut during surgery to get baby out - which contributed to prolapse. DS1 born at 40 weeks.

2nd pregnancy - again big bump. Aware on left side. Had problems with my right hip during pregnancy - not sure if I was counterbalancing! Baby was transverse lie and I was very aware that not enough room - skin felt being stretched. DS2 arrived at 35 weeks.

Both pregnancies under OB care. Both relatively easy pregnancies. I spent my early twenties being investigated being given dire warnings on risks and infertility etc and in fact, very fortunately, no major problems.

I have just found out I'm 6-7 weeks pregnant and I have uterus didelphys this is my 1st pregnancy, I have two wombs and two cervix and to be honest I am absolutely terrified!! I understand how your feeling and happy everything is ok for you so far!! Had my first midwife appt last week and she couldn't even say it!! No one can answer my questions and I'm
So scared.. Roll on seeing the specialist and having a scan.. Petrified!

Lots or love and luck xx

Wow ladies good luck with your pregnancies. Must be hard having questions that can't really be answered but hopefully you'll be really well looked after. Xx

I had a bicuspal uterus, very heart shaped and only one cervix. Have two ds now 14 and 11, only found out when was having very heavy bleeding after ds2. Both boys full term but very small under 6lb, you wouldn't know it now though.

Good luck to one and all! xxx

I have this but unsure what degree. I found out last month during my c section and was told I had a "double uterus" and my babies had been in my "right horn".

Unfortunately I had a 38 week stillbirth which could be caused by a number of things but knowing about my uterus I believe it played a part (my grandmother had it too and had 2 stillbirths).

My second was a success but heavily monitored and intervention at 37 weeks.

I have never had a bleed in pregnancy and have had perfect cycles so never known before there was an issue.

Tsw- did you have to have c-sections due to your condition? Why didn't they see that you had two wombs in your scan? Wow.. I'm glad I know I have it but again it's causing me sleepless nights and with every pain I'm checking my knickers for blood :( I'm so sorry to hear you lost your baby.. I'm even more scared now

Tsw- did you have to have c-sections due to your condition? Why didn't they see that you had two wombs in your scan? Wow.. I'm glad I know I have it but again it's causing me sleepless nights and with every pain I'm checking my knickers for blood :( I'm so sorry to hear you lost your baby.. I'm even more scared now

Tsw- did you have to have c-sections due to your condition? Why didn't they see that you had two wombs in your scan? Wow.. I'm glad I know I have it but again it's causing me sleepless nights and with every pain I'm checking my knickers for blood :( I'm so sorry to hear you lost your baby.. I'm even more scared now

Hey ladies,
Come join the 'I have an abnormal uterus' club

I have a bicornuate uterus and my baby is currently hanging out in the left hand side (i'm 14 +2 weeks). I was fairly upset and worried when I found out about my condition and the increased risks that come along with it but I'm holding on to the fact that actually, most pregnancies (even with this condition) go ok and things work out just fine.

Also, take comfort in the fact that you know about your condition- it means you can be monitored more carefully and they will be watching out for complications to head them off early. A lot of women with abnormalities don't find out until much later along the line.

I don't know if any of you watched the One born very minute episode from last week with the couple who knew that their baby didn't have much hope of surviving once born? The outlook was so bleak and yet they took one day at a time and stayed positive, never giving up hope despite the odds. And 3 months later their little baby was at home with them. Even with the worst odds, there is always hope It was so encouraging!

In case you are interested in more stories, I started a thread here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/2011813-Heart-shaped-uterus when I found out the news and the response was great (ignore the second post of the thread- google scare facts!)

I had a c section because I lost my first baby. I refused an induction as I knew I wouldn't cope emotionally with listening to my baby being monitored and worrying about him getting distressed or there being cord wrapped around him etc. section seemed safer for him. Turns out he did had the cord around his neck twice and no one knew about my uterus before so I found out after I was stitched up. This in spite of in the region of about 15 scans in that pregnancy and my consultant knew that my baby was oblique and I had unusually difficult to find uterine arteries. I guess it's difficult to diagnose unless you are in theatre!

I just wanted to post something that may help. I have didelphys uterus (2 separate wombs, 2 seperate cervix,septum removed via surgery). I suffered endometriosis and pcos throughout my 20's and felt my future of having a baby was bleak given all my surgeries and all the increased risks of pregnancy and birth.
I miscarried on first pregnancy at 8 weeks. A few months later I got pregnant again and carried healthy baby to 37 weeks who was delivered by c-section.
I was monitored heavily in pregnancy with regular scans bi weekly. I suffered a lot of pain and hardly ever felt baby move towards last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Baby remained breech throughout whole of pregnancy and lay diagonally. I was v anxious throughout and visited maternity triage a lot to be checked.
I was pre booked for a 38 week c-section but due to lack of baby movement I was monitored for a week which highlighted baby heart rate going down, so c-section done early thank goodness.
I remember feeling so scared in pregnancy and running over all the risks and it ended up being as straight forwards as it could have been given my condition. The dr said I may not get past 28 weeks but I did.
I know every case is different, but I wanted to post a positive story on here because it's what helped me in my pregnancy. I believe anything is possible now. I have my little miracle baby :0)

Wow...its great to hear good news stories.
I found out i had 2 uterus and 2 cervix about 5 years ago and had the septum removed but any currently TTC.
The last smear i had done the nurse had trouble finding the opening to one of my cervix but didnt seem concerned.
I've only been ttc for 2 months but im already worrying about the difficulties i might face just getting pregnant. Did anyone else have a similar concern?
I went to seea nurse before i came of my contraceptive pill and she basically said 'come back when you're pregnant'.

Hello ladies,

I was booked in by my doctors for an early scan yesterday the nurse saw that I have 2 identical wombs with healthy ovaries but I only have one cervix and one vagina. I have been feeling pain since a week before I knew I was pregnant. I had a sharp stabbing pain in my lover right abdomen in the middle of Sunday night which I soon booked an appointment for and had bloods taken Mon + Wed and was able to have a scan at 5+4 to check for possible ectopic. I had already had a MC 4 years ago. I have always had issues with my periods, mainly I often have 2 periods in a month so cycles range from 11-42 days which made TTC harder! No one mentioned that having 2 uteri could be the issue. I will be 5+6 tomorrow and I am already thinking about the delivery now. I am very aware that I could MC again or just have complications, the nurse said that I need a follow up appointment and have another scan in 2 weeks. I also need to see a GYN/OB and midwife for follow up throughout my pregnancy but for now I have a healthy sack with large yolk sack nestled in my right womb :)
I'm getting a little bloated on my right side and now I think I may grow a wonky bump! It's good to hear that I am not alone! When I found out I admit I was scared of what could happen :( but I now have light at the end of the tunnel!

Thank you ladies for sharing xx

Hi all,
I hope someone from the comments above see's this or anyone who maybe is in a similar situation now? I'm 26, first pregnancy and currently 12 weeks. I had a scan yesterday and to my shock and horror the doctor quickly said that my uterus was empty. However in fact baby was located in another uterus on my right side, reading perfect size and strong heartbeat with thick uterine wall. Initially doc suggested perhaps the baby was ectopic as she couldn't make out exactly a 'second' uterus. (I have had no symptoms at all indicating ectopic).
I attended another doctor for second opinion and new doc found that infact I have what is called didelphic uterus, where baby is in right uterus and left uterus is sitting there empty and doing nothing. Puzzled, I had no idea what was happening and am now extremely anxious and worried. Doc is bringing me back in three weeks (16 weeks) to check cervix length. She insists I have 2 uterus's, one cervix and one vagina. She says I am at risk now of c section (which doesn't bother me) and also of preterm birth and/or baby not growing at ordinary rate.
I'm really scared anxious and don't know what to think as this idea of a didelphic uterus is completely new to me. I'm hoping someone from above can fill me in on how they got on with the rest of their pregnancies.
Thanks ladies. Hope this post finds you all well xxxxx

Hi @nicath91
Waves. I am just 11+5 today, not quite in the same boat as you. I have bicornuate uterus (heart shaped) and baby is in the right horn all the way up at the top.
I have been having lots of bleeding (all very normal apparently) and been doing loads of googling. My mw referred me straight to consultant led team and that sounds like where you will be too. They were very calm when I spoke to them to rearrange first appointment and said that our bodies are amazing (women in general that is) and that they will monitor me all the way through to check cervix length and baby growth. Babies are very resilient wee things and I am sure yours will be fine.
I hope some of the older posters are about to offer comfort.
All the best.

Hi
I have 2 uterus and 2 cervix, I am 25+2 today, just wanted to say all is going well, I have a wonky bump as baby in right hand womb which looks a bit odd, apart from that all is going well 😃 I am having scans every 4 weeks to check there is enough room, I have been warned that I may have to have a c-section which is fine. The first consultant I saw was very negative and basically said I would probably miscarry and that she doubted I would make it to 26 weeks. I complained about her and now have a new consultant who is lovely and has said there could be complications but until they find anything to worry about will just carry on as normal. Don't be scared to ask to see someone else, I am so glad I changed consultants it has made me so much more comfortable.
Wishing you all the best xx

Hi Ladies.
A little late to this, particularly the earlier messages! Feel like I need some words of encouragement from people who understand! I found out I had two separate uterus and two cervix around ten years ago (septum removed shortly afterwards).We have been TTC for 5 years now, after having failed IVF treatment this Summer by some amazing miracle we have managed to conceive naturally! I was gobsmacked to say the least. I’m only around six weeks but have been experiencing quite heavy bleeding. Had an early scan today but they say I haven’t miscarried as there is a tiny sac just a few mms. Nothing more to see. Couldn’t tell me whether things are viable or not and it’s just a waiting game now! Arghhh! They said bleeding could potentially be from other uterus (really?!!). I am all over the place, not sure what to think. Hoping all is well with you all and your little ones x

Hi @sophiesparkle!

First, I am so sorry to hear about your tough TTC journey but I am so happy to hear that you conceived anyway! Big congrats!! I stumbled upon your post, and I think I can brighten your day a bit! I too found out about 11 yrs ago (I'm 32 now) that I had Uterus didelphys (2 separate wombs), 2 cervixes, and 1 vagina with a septum. I also only have one kidney (do you have both kidneys?). I had the septum removed back then. I was told all of the typical risks associated with our condition, but somehow managed to conceive naturally fairly quickly to our surprise (sorry :-( ). I actually had bleeding for the first 2, maybe 3 months. They found that it was menstrual bleeding from the other uterus! Once I was a couple months into pregnancy, the hormones were so strong that it apparently signaled my other uterus to stop (as I was pregnant). Early pregnancy was uneventful besides feeling more pressure than normal because baby was stuffed into right uterus. It felt very lopsided, but you somehow couldnt tell on the outside. Lol. I had placental abruption for awhile around the 20 week mark, but it thankfully resolved itself. Ob said due to limited space, it was more common and does usually go back to normal before birth. Then at 28 wks, I felt weird (no pain/bad symptoms) and discovered I was having contractions (not full blown labor or anything, I couldn't even feel them, but enough to be concerned it would progress). They gave me a shot of something to stop it- didn't work. Gave me vaginal suppositories of progesterone- didn't work. So then they gave baby steroid shots to speed his lung development in case I did deliver. I was put on bed rest/taken off work, but I was stubborn and didn't follow bed rest very well. Lol. Anyway, I made it to 34 weeks before I delivered. It was very fast (not sure if that's related to the condition), 7 hours from water breaking to birth and back-to-back contractions (cant remember what that phenomenon is called...). After delivery, my placenta did get stuck so the Dr. Had to basically pull it out forcefully. Resulted in a lot of bleeding but Otherwise ok. My son was born at 5 lbs with very little respiratory distress and his lungs were perfect, thank God. We spent 2 weeks in the NICU to make sure he was strong enough to eat on his own (had latching issues at first), but had success breastfeeding and he was healthy otherwise. My advice to you, would be to find an OB if you can that is familiar with our condition. I searched and searched until I found one, and she was amazing. She even predicted id make it to 34 wks and I did! Most nurses along the way (had to get stress tests/monitoring done 3x/wk from 28 wks-34 wks) had no clue what it was. They would put the monitor on in the center (like normal) and wouldnt pick up a heartbeat. They would freak out. I would have to tell them baby was on the right so they have to move the monitor to the right. Some would fight with me until they realized I was right then id have to explain my whole situation. Lol. So definitely dont be afraid to advocate for yourself! I would also prepare yourself for early delivery- have stuff ready to go to hospital earlier rather than later and also have a plan if you were to be put on bed rest and couldn't work- financially and have your employer aware. I was in management, so I had to pass off responsibilities and prepare for the possibility really early. Glad I did! Other than all of that, it was a positive experience with very little problems. Its definitely nervewracking, especially with you TTC for so long, but you can go on to have a wonderful pregnancy and healthy, beautiful baby with our condition! Try not to stress, think positive, and you will be just fine! I wish you very, very well! If you have any other questions I'm open!

Wow you have made me feel MUCH more positive! Thank you SO MUCH. I do kinda want to just prepare for the worst when I got for my scan but it is nice to think ‘what if’ and you have really made me feel like there is still a chance. If not now, sometime very soon. It’s so fantastic to hear your story. Especially when feeling pretty low. I had exactly the same as you and had vaginal septum removed at age of 21, I’m 33 now. I have normal kidneys but interestingly enough I have a twin sister (non-identical) she has both kidneys but one is malformed in some way but doesn’t cause too many issues. I know the feeling of trying to explain ‘what’s where’ anatomy wise. Sometimes I think they don’t believe me, the doctor calling the emergency pregnancy unit the other day said ‘she says she has a double uterus...perhaps it might be a bicornate uterus’ and I thought... hang on... I didn’t say that at all!!! Argh! I do hope I get to take on your advice regarding preparing for early arrival/later on in pregnancy

You’re a star @MamaofJax

@sophiesparkle

Yay! I'm SO happy I could help, even in the least bit. I totally understand how hard it is. I remember not feeling as much activity towards the end (which is normal with limited space- so don't freak out WHEN (not if) you get there) and I just about had a nervous breakdown! Every little thing is scary, but you know stress and worry doesn't help! So remember baby in those moments of worry and use that as strength to take a deep breath and dismiss your panic! That is SO weird- I actually had an emergency surgery ON my actual 21st birthday (boo!) Because one of the uterus' was infected and was leaking fluid into my abdomen! So I had the infection scraped out and my septum removed then. What stories you and I have, huh? Lol! That is really interesting about your sister and her kidney malformation. I hope her function is ok and doesnt cause her any problems! Also so funny that your Drs do the same and dont believe you! Hah! It is so frustrating! They say its really rare and that's why people assume its always bicornuate but I'm starting to think its not as rare as they say! Anyway- you said you are 6 weeks along now and had a scan with a sac- that is an amazing start! Our bodies do incredible things, so as cheesy as it sounds, trust your body and know it will make the best nest for baby! The bleeding is alarming and its scary for anyone in early pregnancy, but i really feel you got pregnant naturally for a reason/the time was right! When you say "if not now, I know there is a chance" that breaks my heart! You have more than a chance- you are pregnant now! Ok- getting off of my soapbox now... Haha. What I'm trying to say is, try really hard not to stress out. There are many people in our shoes that have had perfect pregnancies and healthy births. I know you'll be one of them!! If you need anything, you can email me too if you want. I'm so compassionate to your situation because ive been there (except for the IVF part of course)! I'm pulling for you! Rachelle.marie25 at gmail dot com

Hi everyone

I'm 19 and I found out I had a double uterus when I was just 17. I suffered a big bleed when I was 17, the blood was old and came out of me like tap from a water for 6 hours. I got rushed to hospital and was put on the drip and lots of tests ect to be told I had uterus didelphys. Age 17,18 and 19 I have suffered from these random big bleeds. Before the bleed I suffer from horrendous back pain, constipation and trouble urinating,also loosing a lot of weight from not eating. I've recently left hospital where I was there for a week and was told there would be a chance I could have an operation to open the kneck of my womb to allow the blood to come out properly as it's just getting clogged up and then blows. I'm having another scan next week and I could potentially be having a D&C. I'm getting older now and I'm forever scared and worried about not being able to have children. There's so many unanswered questions out there that can't be answered for sure. Did anyone have any trouble conceiving? Does anyone else have problems with the big bleeds like me??

Hi @Norma11,

I remember when I was younger having horrendously painful periods before taking the contraceptive pill to combat them. Looking back, I wonder if the periods were more painful in comparison to ‘the norm’ for others but I suppose we’ll never know. As for big bleeds I can’t say it was anything like you were describing at all and it sounds pretty tough for you but I suppose it depends on the specific and unique shape of your anatomy. Perhaps one cavity it tucked away and the bleed is finding it difficult to find its way out? So sorry you’re going through this! I remember being so upset when I found out. I know I had a vaginal septum initially but didn’t even contemplate what was going on inside me until I was told by the consultant which came as a shock. I think for me as time has gone by I’m grateful for knowing, like others have said, you can be better looked after. As for conceiving. I’m having issues as you may have read but it seems that it is most definitely possible and I’m currently pregnant and saying my prayers that things work out and when it does happen at least you know you’ll have a close eye kept on you. Firstly, you need to get to the bottom of the issues with your periods so that you’re more comfortable and you can focus on being young and enjoying yourself without getting too worried about ifs, buts and maybes. Wishing you the best of luck with it all xxxxx