Monitoring your pregnancy enables early detection of prenatal complications and reduces any risk to you or your baby. The complications could include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and even the rare abnormality of the double uterus.
A double uterus is a congenital abnormality that can develop for a woman who is carrying a girl. It can be detected between the 6th and 22nd week of pregnancy. This means when you go for your 7th week and 10th week of ultrasound, and are carrying a girl, there is likely chance this abnormality will show up.
Once medical experts identify the double uterus, you may have to monitor your pregnancy more carefully. In case the baby is not doing well, they may recommend an early delivery by a caesarean section (C-section).
Let us deep dive into this rare phenomenon and how it can affect your and as well as growing baby girl’s health.
What Is A Double Uterus?
Every uterus starts out as two small tubes called mullerian ducts. When they develop, they usually fuse together to form one uterus. But in rare cases, the tubes remain separate and become two uteri.
This abnormality may occur in a foetus between the 6th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. Often the vagina in women with a double uterus is divided into two separate openings by a thin membrane.
It is possible for you to carry the pregnancy to term. But, it can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage or premature labour.
There has been no specific cause behind this abnormality. A genetic component may be a factor because this rare condition sometimes runs in families.
Double Uterus Symptoms: What You Need To Know
You may face heavy bleeding even after you have inserted a tampon. Image courtesy: Pixabay
For some women, chances are that a double uterus will go undetected and you may not experience any symptom. Your doctor may discover it during a routine pelvic exam.
Woman who have a double vagina and a double uterus, should check with their doctors if they are unable to prevent menstrual bleeding even after using a sanitary napkin or a tampon. In this case, the blood continues to escape from the second vagina and uterus.
Incidentally, this condition affects about one in every 2,000 women worldwide. About one in 25,000 women with uterus didelphys get pregnant with twins, one on each uterus. This means the likelihood of any given woman growing two babies in two separate wombs is about one in 50 million.
How Is Double Uterus Diagnosed?
Your doctor may recommend tests to check if you have a double uterus. You may be recommended the following tests after experiencing recurrent miscarriages, is any.
MRI scan
An MRI scan involves a process where magnetic fields and radio waves are used to generate cross-sectional images of the body.
You will be required to lie completely still in a machine that looks like a large tunnel. While it may look claustrophobic, and scary, but it is a painless process and one that provides an in-depth look into your condition.
Ultrasound
Image courtesy: iStock
High-frequency sound waves are used to create images of the inside of your body. A cool jelly-like substance is put on a device called a transducer and is applied to your abdomen so that they can see how your uterus looks.
For a clearer image, the doctor may also suggest a transvaginal ultrasound.
Sonohysterogram
In a sonohysterogram, the images are taken after a fluid is inserted into the uterus through a thin tube that is put into the vagina. This allows the doctor to see any abnormalities in the shape of the uterus that may be present.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
During this process, a dye is inserted into the uterus via the cervix. As the dye travels through, the X-ray will allow the doctor to see the size and shape of your uterus.
Based on the state of your problem and the risk that it has on your health and your baby, the doctor may suggest appropriate treatment.
What Is The Treatment For A Double Uterus?
Luckily, if you have a double uterus but are experiencing no symptoms, there is no need to treat the condition. But for those experiencing recurrent miscarriages that have no other medical explanation, doctors may suggest surgery.
It’s possible that the surgery will help them to sustain a successful pregnancy as dividing the membrane in the vagina can make the childbirth process a lot easier.
Complications From A Double Uterus
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Heavy menstrual flow
Women with a double uterus often find they have a heavy menstrual flow. If the blood flow is unmanageable, you shouldn’t ignore it and speak to your doctor immediately.
In addition, you may also experience some other symptoms such as unusual pressure or cramping pain before or during a menstrual period.
Difficulty in getting pregnant
Sometimes if you have a double uterus you may find it difficult to get pregnant. In some cases, of women with a didelphic uterus, one uterus might be underdeveloped and have a higher risk of miscarriage, or if the cervix is underdeveloped, a higher risk of preterm labour.
Kidney abnormality
Sometimes, a double uterus can also lead to kidney problems. Any abnormality in the Mullerian duct may damage the Wolffian duct, which forms in the foetus.
Malformations in the Wolffian duct may further cause kidney problems. Remember, this complication occurs in 15 to 30 percent of women with a double uterus.
Pregnancy Complications Due To A Double Uterus
In some cases, the shape of the uterus that the fetus has implanted in leads to miscarriage. In some cases, women with a double uterus generally have smaller uteri that can lead to preterm labour. You need to be careful as preterm labour results in the opening of your cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy. It can thus result in premature birth.
Even though it is a rare congenital problem, it is always best to discuss its possibility with your doctor, especially if you are trying to get pregnant.
When To See A Doctor
It is always best to have a preemptive plan in place, especially if you wish to get pregnant. Seek medical attention if you notice a normal menstrual flow even after using a sanitary napkin, and/or if you experience excessive pain during menstruation, and/or if you have had more than one miscarriages.
Prepare yourself for the checkup by noting your menstrual cycle chart details, medical records, history of miscarriage, and don’t forget to create your personal list of questions for the doctor.
You can check with them about details the abnormality, your tests, treatment, medication, and recovery method.
Source: MayoClinic
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