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What Are the Special Concerns with Pregnancy and Uterus Didelphys?

Amber Eberle
Amber Eberle

A woman with uterus didelphys is born with two uteruses, two cervices, and two vaginas. This condition is very rare and can be a cause of infertility. It is possible for a woman with this type of uterine malformation to become pregnant and carry a baby to term, but there is an increased risk of complications. These can include miscarriage, incompetent cervix, premature birth, improper positioning of the baby, and uterine rupture. During pregnancy, a woman with uterus didelphys is typically closely monitored by her doctor.

Most women with this condition are not aware of it unless they have a problem carrying a baby to term. One of the most common pregnancy concerns when uterus didelphys is involved is miscarriage. Studies have estimated that women with double uteruses have miscarriage rates of 43% compared to a miscarriage rate of 25% in women without the condition.

The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.

As a pregnancy progresses, a woman with this condition may become concerned about the health of the cervix associated with the uterus carrying the fetus. An incompetent cervix dilates prematurely, which can lead to a miscarriage or pre-term labor. A doctor treating a woman with an incompetent cervix may recommend bed rest or placing a cerclage on the cervix to keep it closed.

A woman with uterus didelphys has an increased risk of miscarriage.
A woman with uterus didelphys has an increased risk of miscarriage.

The size and shape of the double uteruses make premature labor and birth a concern during pregnancy. The average gestational period of a baby born to a woman with this condition is 35 weeks, compared to the typical 40-week gestation of a normal pregnancy. Premature birth can lead to complications in the baby, so it is recommended that a woman with double uteruses give birth in a hospital with neo-natal intensive care facilities.

Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor.
Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor.

Another concern in regard to the size and shape of the uteruses is the position of the baby in utero. In a normal pregnancy, a baby is positioned with its head down shortly before birth. Pregnancies in which a woman has uterus didelphys have a high rate of fetal malpositioning. It is estimated that in 27% of these pregnancies, the fetus is in the breech position with the buttocks presenting first. Most doctors believe that the safest way to deliver a breech baby is via Cesarean section, which has its own set of risks and concerns.

Most women with uterus didelphys are not aware of it until they experience problems carrying a baby to term.
Most women with uterus didelphys are not aware of it until they experience problems carrying a baby to term.

While very rare, it is possible for the uterus to rupture during pregnancy. A uterine rupture is very serious and can be fatal to both the mother and the baby. This occurs at a slightly higher rate in a woman with uterine abnormalities, such as uterus didelphys. It is speculated that this may be due to the fact that abnormal uteruses tend to have thinner than normal walls as the pregnancy progresses.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@ocelot60- I agree with you, though she must be prepared to travel. Few doctors specialize with this rare uterus abnormality. Those that do are usually located in large cities.

Ocelot60

Just as the article points out, didelphys uterus is very rare. However, anyone with this rare condition should be referred to a specialist that knows how to handle this type of delicate pregnancy.

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    • The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
      By: fixer00
      The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
    • A woman with uterus didelphys has an increased risk of miscarriage.
      By: olesiabilkei
      A woman with uterus didelphys has an increased risk of miscarriage.
    • Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor.
      By: Trish23
      Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor.
    • Most women with uterus didelphys are not aware of it until they experience problems carrying a baby to term.
      By: nattanan726
      Most women with uterus didelphys are not aware of it until they experience problems carrying a baby to term.
    • Women who have experienced a miscarriage may benefit from counseling.
      By: Monkey Business
      Women who have experienced a miscarriage may benefit from counseling.