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, again @Esmerelda1988

Glad that they’ve confirmed that your bump is ok! Hope you’ve been feeling well since your last post.

Yes, I’m consultant lead. Sounds like I’m having the same pains on my right side where baby is. I’m glad you mentioned the cervical length - they mentioned monitoring that but didn’t actually scan mine at my 12 week scan? I’m due for my 20 week anomaly scan the 11th of May. Maybe I will inquire about that then, or call my midwife/office if the pains in cervix get worse or more regular?

Thanks for getting back to me! Lovely hearing from someone else in the same boat. I just haven’t been able to find much of these specifics out there online for ladies like us. Really appreciate it as this is my first pregnancy and I’m learning as I go!

@RNeeds9 I would maybe ask your consultant about having your cervical length checked- I have always been told from diagnosis that I was likely to have a premature baby due to cervix becoming short and potentially needing a stitch in, due to the condition. Also apparently most likely to have a C section as the baby will be breech. What have you been told about the affect of UD on pregnancy? It does seem to vary when I've spoken to people before, some Drs seem very keen on it being a huge risk and others more laid back.

Back to scans, I think my consultant asked for my cervical length to be checked at my 12 week scan just because I was in and already having a scan. It's then being checked this Friday and then they're going to make a plan going forward as to how I will be monitored. I don't know if the cervix pains are actually related to any sort of shortening or opening of the cervix, I quite often got these randomly before pregnancy too, I think the cervices are maybe more sensitive for some reason.

Whats your current due date, we must be due around the same time, mine's 1st October but I'm preparing for anything from August onwards!

Hi @RNeeds9 and @esmerelda1988

Just thought I'd add to this as I'm 16+3 with uterus didelphys (two uteruses and two cervixes) -due October 4th. Think I spoke to you in another thread a while back esmerelda1988!

Thought I'd add in my story as it's so helpful to read other people's and I found all these other people's stories so helpful to read when as I was searching as there is no information out there!

I've only had one consultant appointment at 13 weeks and she was really knowledgable and great. She def was more on the laidback side but was still keen for extra monitoring. She also said that would most prob be a c-section as might be breech and there was a risk of pre-term delivery but that we just wouldn't know until later on and there was always a chance I could carry full term.

I think it's def worth asking your consultant about cervical length measurements. I haven't had any yet but I'm going for one in the Pre Term Clinic at the hospital when I'm 18 weeks. They will then decide if I will need another measurement and more monitoring at 20/22 weeks and if its short they might do a stitch (although my consultant did say that's unlikely-not sure why). The Pre-Term clinic said they don't tend to see people after 24 weeks as they wouldn't intervene after this point so I'm not sure what will happen to me then. Although I do have another consultant appointment at 21 weeks so hopefully will find out more then.

Nice to hear from other people going through same thing-hopefully someone else will read them one day and find them as helpful!

hey londonliv (cant tag for some reason) good to hear from you- I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were getting on. In contrast I had a consultant appointment at 5 weeks and nothing since but had scans at 5,7,9 weeks, not sure why as I feel they'd have been more useful now!

If you go to Queen Charlotte's in London there's a lovely Dr there Miss Rose who I've seen a couple of times, I don't live in London but have been referred to her to chat about the condition and fertility as I got older- she is definitely more laid back!

I've been started on progesterone pessaries (joy!) after I went into Triage at the weekend with a strange heavy sensation, they're going to review at my scan on Friday. The pessaries seem to be an alternative or addition to the stitch- I was told I'd probably need a stitch by Miss Rose but looking into it I'd rather avoid it as there's a risk of infection from the procedure which can cause miscarriage.

I think the reason they don't intervene after 4 weeks is because at that point the fetus is viable so you would just give birth and have a very prem baby?

Really nice to come across 2 women in similar circumstances, these threads are gold dust when you have such a unique condition and I also hope someone comes along behind us who finds our experiences helpful.

Thank you @Esmerelda1988 and @londonliv2019 for the further information. That’s really helpful. I guess my consultant must be more on the laid back side, although I am also her first patient with this condition so idk. She seemed pretty knowledgeable, anyway. She mentioned the increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labour with UD. She’s encouraging the c section for the same reasons that the two of you said and also because she was concerned about vaginal scar tissue from my vaginal septum removal surgery years ago. She was worried that if I tore at all that it would be very difficult to put back together, etc etc. I guess we will see how we get on, but the section sounds like the safer option.

My next scan is the 11th of May for the anomaly scan. Assuming my next scan and everything else is ok, my next consultant appointment isn’t scheduled until July. I’m so grateful for both of your advice about the cervical end of stuff! I will definitely inquire about it when I go to the antenatal clinic for my next scan apt. I’m kind of worried that they didn’t check yet.

Congratulations both on your pregnancies, btw! Hope that you’re both feeling well! I’m due September 25th, but also keeping a realistic view that it could all happen earlier.

@rneeds9 @Esmerelda1988 well it sounds like everyone is getting quite appointments then. I'm sure it just varies hospital to hospital and consultant to consultant like so many things to do with pregnancy!

Its worth checking but I wouldn't worry! My consultant even said they might cancel my cervical measurements if they decided coming to the hospital and exposing to corona was a bigger risk and didn't seem too worried so they can't be the be all and end all.

Congrats to you too. Hope your next scan goes well!

I would definitely mention it if your consultant hasn't seen anyone with UD before. Could you ring your midwife or consultant and ask for a scan before your anomaly? You could say you're having the heavy feeling or something which might make them more likely to do it. I'm sure its all fine, apparently they don't normally start checking until 16 weeks. One advantage of having this condition is everyone is quite hot on helping you if you mention a potential issue- although I am a little fed up of being asked how I found out I had UD, or being told I'm 'special' by every different nurse/sonographer/Dr I see!

@londonliv2019 & @Esmerelda1988 Ok, will do! Thanks again for both of your advice. Your doctors sound really nice. I’m thankful they’re looking after us well.

Yes, hopefully others can benefit from this site. It sure has helped me a lot!

Lovely meeting you two, and best wishes to you both as our journeys continue. Will probably keep in touch if anything else pops up or new questions arise.

Hey @RNeeds9 could I pick your brains/experience? I know I said I had cervix pains but earlier this evening I REALLY had cervix pain, stabbing and totally crippling, went on about 30 seconds but then stopped and just had a few much less painful twinges since. Is this like what you've had? Hoping it's nothing to worry about but can't see how pain like that can be anything good!

@Esmerelda1988 I’m so sorry, for some reason I’ve only just seen your message!

Yes, that’s what mines like sometimes. It’s totally random for me. Sometimes it just a little twinge, and other times it can take your breath away. Thankfully, mine have been pretty sporadic. Personally, I think if they are happening quite regularly for you or getting worse and worse, I’d definitely call your midwife or doctor. When I mentioned it to my midwife at my 16 week appointment, she said that can be normal in pregnancy. However, given our history I always think if in doubt, give them a call! If it’s really bothering you or not improving, they could probably give a bit more insight or even better get you checked out. Hope that helps and that you’re feeling a bit better! Xxx

Thank you @RNeeds9 they weren't concerned when I mentioned it at my scan on Friday however, my cervical length is now down to 24mm so back in today to have a cervical stitch put in
Hope you're doing well x

Aw, @Esmerelda1988 I’m sorry to hear your length has gone down. Glad they’re getting it sorted quickly for you. I’ll say some prayers/positive vibes for you that everything goes smoothly today.

Yeah, all good here just anxiously awaiting my next scan in two weeks.

Thinking of you, girl. Xx

Hey @RNeeds9 @londonliv2019 how are you both getting along?

Hi @Esmerelda1988 I'm all good thank! Had an appointment at the pre-term clinic last week and they measured my cervix and did a swab and all was OK. No idea what the measurement was. They had no concerns and said I could've been discharged from the clinic if I wanted but I asked for another check so got an appointment at 23 weeks. 20 week scan next week so fingers crossed that's all OK.
Sorry to read you've been back into hospital-did you have a stitch put in? Hope youre doing OK now?

@londonliv2019 glad to hear all ok with you. Did they mention any further monitoring or are you on your own apart from the usual appointments?
I actually remain stitch free! I went in to have the op then saw a consultant who pointed out the risks of the op and told me I could stick on the progesterone and be monitored every 2 weeks, which was also a risk so a great position to be put in! I decided to not have the stitch, it seemed like such an immediate risk to the baby rather than waiting and seeing. I had a follow up scan last week and my cervix apparently has almost doubled in length which I'm pleased about but a little sceptical. I've got another scan tomorrow then the 20 week next week. I'm really not sure what to expect for monitoring past 24 weeks for those with UD-I was told cervical length checks end there as the baby is viable if pre term labour happened. Have you had any movements yet? I have a very wonky bump that I'm quite pleased to be able to hide at home for now.

@Esmerelda1988 @londonliv2019
Hi again, Girls!! Glad to hear you’re both doing ok.

I’m doing alright, myself. Ended up having to go into the gynae assessment unit at the hospital during week 19 for my cervical pains (that got a lot worse) on my R (baby) side. They did an exam and said it “looked fine from the outside.” I asked about cervical measurements and the gynae consultant said they’d be kind of irrelevant since I never had measurements taken before or at 12 week mark? Which seemed a bit strange to me, but I was relieved baby was fine and they felt ok about it. I’ve just been told if I have any bleeding or discharge/mucous plug problems to come right back to hospital.

I’m 21 weeks now, and had my anomaly scan last week. Baby is looking perfectly healthy, and we found out that he’s a BOY! He’s crammed himself low down in my R uterus. All of his measurements and amniotic fluid etc looked normal. I just saw a midwife that day, and don’t see my OB consultant until my 28 weeks growth scan. I look forward to seeing her again then.

I started feeling him flutter at about 16 weeks (my placenta is posterior so maybe that’s why?), and since then feel more and more. He kicks me now and I can feel him reposition himself. Very strange feelings but amazing at the same time.

I’ll confess it still feels unsettling that no one has checked my cervical measurements, but hey ho! Thankful that baby is safe and seems to be progressing nicely so far.

Anywho, nice to hear from you both again. Good luck on your upcoming 20 week scans. Please keep in touch! :)
Xx

Hey @RNeeds9 glad baby boy is ok, congrats! I've been no stranger to ringing triage myself with worries but they always tell me to come in the minute I mention the UD. I got called back this week to be scanned by a consultant and it turns out my length was done incorrectly last week, she measured at 28mm and said she was confident my cervix would hold past 24 weeks and that it was probably causing more stress having additional cervix scans so thats me done until growth scans at 32 and 36 weeks assuming I get that far.

I don't think it's pointless to check cervix length at this point, my trust start cervical length scans at 16 weeks, although I guess you're approaching a gestation where they wouldn't take any preventative action like a cerclage anyway if you did go into labour. I was told the same re watching out for blood, mucus plug etc.

I'm getting lots of kicks too, baby is head down at the moment which I guess is good. Have either of you had any thoughts about birth? My consultant basically said I could choose (all being well) and that if I wanted a section no one was going to argue with me over it!

@Esmerelda1988 aw, good! I’m so glad to hear your cervical measurements were positive. What a relief!

My Dr was also open to the idea of either if that’s what I really wanted, but was pushing me more towards a planned C-Section due to my previous vaginal surgeries (My vagi all septum removal, etc). She was worried that if I had any tears that it would be more difficult to put back together due to scar tissue that’s already there. She’s given me until our next meeting at 28 weeks to think about it. I’m 99% sure that I’m going to go ahead with the C-section. I think I accepted a long time ago that it’d be a very likely possibility anyway, so I’m at peace with it.

What about yourselves?

Have you been experiencing any other symptoms lately? My back pain seems to be getting worse (which I know is normal at this stage of pregnancy.)

I’m also curious, do either of you still workout much? I’ve always been quite active and am into my running, but decided to give that up around 12 weeks because I was feeling so much pressure/uncomfortable down below. Just didn’t seem worth it to me, so I’ve been doing lower impact stuff ever since.

I’m also hoping for the best to make it as far as possible in this pregnancy. I get a bit curious about bed rest at some point, but I suppose we will see how I get on?

Anywho, hope you’re both having a nice weekend. Xx

@RNeeds9 I've always been told id need a c section so haven't ever contemplated a vaginal birth but now I'm wondering if I ought to try for the potential shorter recovery period. But then I like the idea with a section of having some control over what happens.. ultimately which way round the baby is by labour will decide it for me, or at least rule out a vaginal birth!
Symptoms wise, back ache, hip pains especially on the left where baby is. And the pressure/losing something sensation down below. Tends to be worse in the morning and if I exert myself, my Dr told me to sit/lie down if I'm feeling that or the back pain.
Can't say I did much exercise pre pregnancy but I'm doing less than I was, no long walks or badminton, I basically feel like I have to sit down until the baby is here, as you say, it feels risky to continue as normal. I don't think bed rest is recommended here but I'm working from home full time now so getting lots of rest anyway. In a way I'm quite glad I don't have to rush around for work and can concentrate on my needs, it'd be really stressful otherwise.
Are you still carrying on as normal for work?
X.

@Esmerelda1988. Yeah, I always thought the same myself. I guess we will see how we get on.

Yes, that’s how I’ve been feeling, too. It’s reassuring to hear you’re experiencing the same.

I’m an agency A&E Nurse. I’m currently at home too, but not working as they couldn’t re-place me into a safer environment. (Which was what my Dr and midwives suggested after my risk assessment.) I actually miss work a lot. We are going to re-evaluate the situation in June. If I can, I’ll try and go back to work to help for as long as I can

I agree with you, though. In a way, it’s been nice on the tough symptom days to be home and able to lay down/take it easy.

Have a lovely rest of your weekend! Xx

@RNeeds9 @Esmerelda1988
Hi-Glad to hear your both doing well!

All good here-had my 20 weeks scan today and baby was looking good. The midwife was positively thrilled to have a hunt for my second uterus haha.

I’ve got another consultant appointment next week so have a long list of questions about what’s happening now with scans etc and birth plans as I have no idea! Really useful to read what’s going on for you guys!

I was working out a bit but stopped in first trimester when I was KNACKERED. Now I have the energy but same it just feels weird to do anything too strenuous. Been doing pregnancy yoga classes on zoom which are great. I’m not working at all at the moment (my industry is basically shut down) and my job is normally very active so I’m feeling like a lazy sloth. But I think the enforced rest has probably been a good thing as I’m not very good at stopping myself! I would love to go back to work but I can’t see it happening before my due date. Which is very weird. Glad you are both managing to take it easy it these weird times!x

Hi @Esmerelda1988 @RNeeds9

Hope you're both doing OK and enjoying the nice weather!

Had a phone appointment with a consultant who was very laid back! She'd seen loads of women with UD and was really positive that I had a good chance of going full term (although the word she kept using was "unpredictable" haha).

She said as the baby was head down at my 20 week scan then it would hopefully stay that way until birth. She said as there is less room in my womb it is harder for the baby to flip into breech so hopefully it will stay that way (but obvs they will check closer to the time). So she was confident that would mean I could probably have a vaginal birth. I've got another cervical scan in a few weeks and the consultant is going to have a proper look and see if they think my cervixes will mean I need a C-section. But she was very positive I would probably be able to have a vaginal birth...which was a big surprise!! She also didn't want to book any growth scans just yet either...I've got another consultant appointment at 32 weeks but seems they are just leaving me to it for a while.

Thought I'd share as she was SO chilled and positive and seemed very experienced!

@londonliv2019

Sorry, just now getting back to your previous two posts. I’m so happy for you that you’ve had two rounds of good news! Very exciting! Did you find out the baby’s gender or are you keeping it a surprise?

I hear ya on the exercise. I’m mostly taking it a lot easier too with just walks and prenatal yoga. Low impact is my jam right now lol

I agree with the lockdown as having that small blessing in disguise of being at home to put our feet up or lay down on the bad or hard days. I am grateful for that part

Fingers crossed that everything works out for you to go for the vaginal birth plan. That’s amazing that you’ve got the two good choices. Keep us posted on how you get on!

Hope you’re both enjoying the nice weather! Have a great weekend! XX

Hi @londonliv2019 glad you're doing well. How are you feeling about having a vaginal birth? I'm really not sure what to do, but after your post will be asking my consultant about my cervix and natural birth as this hasn't been mentioned to me. Glad also you have a consultant who knows what they're talking about, it's very disconcerting when they don't.

I have a 25 week consultant appointment then one a month or so later, then growth scans pencilled in for 32 and 36 weeks I think but I'm going to ask if I ought to have one sooner. Are you both feeling movements? I get a lot of kicks that I can feel in my cervix/vagina which makes me worry she's trying to come out! Are either of you on progesterone as a precaution?

Hey @Esmerelda1988

I have been feeling some kicks or punches (? Lol) down there, too. I’m not on progesterone, but I’m just still keeping a close eye on any discharge/mucous, bleeding or other red flags.

I’m 24 weeks and movements wise I do feel him everyday, typically around the same times but they still seem sporadic. Some days I feel him move more than others. I was worried this morning but he made his little self known about an hour ago!

My belly is really starting to pop more now and have been feeling quite sore on my R side again. Also some bad low back pains again on my L side? So strange! Don’t know if it’s just because things are off balance and he’s growing again?

Anywho, I’m really eager to get to my 28 week growth scan and consultant appointment. When I last saw her, she said they’d do them every two weeks from that point on? (Don’t know it’s that’s any help.)

Xx