How Does a Double Uterus Affect Pregnancy?

A double uterus is a rare congenital abnormality that develops when a baby girl is in her mother’s womb. It is possible for a woman to carry the pregnancy to terms, but the condition may cause an increased risk of miscarriage or premature labour. If you have a double uterus during pregnancy, then your physicians will ask you to be careful and will watch your pregnancy and see how your baby girl is developing. If the baby is not doing well, they may recommend an early delivery by a caesarean section (C-section).

What Is Double Uterus?

A double uterus is an unusual congenital disability that occurs when a baby girl is in her mother’s womb. Every uterus begins as two small tubes known as Mullerian ducts. They normally fuse together and grow to form one uterus. In rare cases, however, the tubes remain distinct and form two uteri. A woman who has a double uterus may also have two vaginas. This condition can raise the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery in some women, though it is extremely rare.

How Common Is It?

The condition affects about one in every 2,000 women worldwide. Approximately one of every 25,000 women with a double uterus becomes pregnant with twins, one in each uterus.

What Causes Double Uterus?

The double uterus is a congenital malformation that takes place in the embryo during the development of the female genital system. It occurs when two small tubes (Mullerian ducts) fail to fuse and develop into two different structures resulting in double uteri. This abnormality may occur in a foetus during the 6-22 weeks of pregnancy. The exact cause of the double uterus is not yet found, but it could be due to genetics as a double uterus is known to run in families.

Symptoms of a Double Uterus

A double uterus is sometimes asymptomatic. The syndrome may be found during a routine pelvic check or during imaging procedures to ascertain the cause of multiple miscarriages. Women with a double vagina and a double uterus should see a doctor if their menstrual bleeding isn’t prevented by a tampon. In these cases, the woman has inserted a tampon into one vagina, but blood continues to escape from the second vagina and uterus.

How Is Double Uterus Diagnosed?

During a regular pelvic check-up, your doctor can detect a double cervix or a uterus that is not usual in shape. They can suggest any tests to determine what is wrong. These tests can also be prescribed if you have a history of miscarriages. The assessments you might be given are the same in either case, or those are mentioned below.

1. Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. The sonographer will place some cool jelly on the end of a transducer and spread it on to abdomen to examine your uterus. They may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound, in which the transducer is inserted into the vagina if they want a better view of the interior of the uterus.

2. Sonohysterogram

This is another ultrasound, but the pictures of a uterus are captured after fluid is injected into the uterus by a narrow tube inserted into the vagina. This helps the doctor to detect any irregularities in the form of the uterus.

3. MRI Scan

Cross-sectional representations of the body are created using magnetic fields and radio waves. A woman must lay perfectly still in a system that resembles a big tunnel for this examination.

4. Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

A dye is injected into the uterus through the cervix during this test. X-rays help a doctor to see the scale and shape of your uterus as the dye passes through it.

How Is Double Uterus Treated?

A double uterus may be corrected surgically, although it is rarely necessary. There is no reason to treat women who have a double uterus but are not having symptoms. Many that have repeated miscarriages for which there is no other medical cause may be suggested a surgery. It’s likely that the surgery would help them keep their pregnancy going. Women who have a double vagina and a double uterus may benefit from vaginal surgery to remove the dividing membrane. This can make childbirth more comfortable for them.

Does Double Uterus Cause Any Pregnancy Complications?

Many women with a double uterus have regular sex lives, pregnancies, and births. However, a double uterus and other uterine growth anomalies are often linked with:

• Infertility – Women with a double uterus experience strong menstrual discharge. If the situation becomes unmanageable, they may need to get medical help.
• Pregnancy loss or premature childbirth – This complication affects 15 to 30% of women who have a double uterus. Women with a double uterus were unable to conceive in a relatively limited percentage of instances.
• Abnormalities of the kidney – Abnormalities in the Mullerian duct may damage the Wolffian duct, which forms in the foetus. Malformations in the Wolffian duct may also cause kidney problems.

When to See a Doctor

Get medical attention if you have a menstrual flow after using a tampon, if you experience extreme pain during menstruation, or if you have had several miscarriages. Visit a doctor who specialises in female reproductive tract disorders, such as a gynaecologist or a doctor who specialises in reproductive hormones and fertility optimization (reproductive endocrinologist).

To get ready for your appointment, do the following:

• Inquire if there is something you need to go ahead such as tests for any future examinations.
• Make a list of all menstrual dates you have had and how long they lasted.
• Have a list of your important medical records and any other illnesses for which you are being monitored as well as the names of any drugs, medicines, spices, or nutrients you are taking.
• If necessary, have a family member or friend with you to make you recall anything.
• Create a list of questions to ask the doctor so that you can get the best out of your appointment.

The following are few basic questions that you need to ask your doctor:

• What is the possible cause of my symptoms and signs?
• What are the causes of this?
• What will be the recovery method, and how long it will take?
• Is surgical surgery an option for me? If so, why or why not?
• Does having a double uterus increase complications during pregnancy?
• What choices do I have, if any, to increase my odds of a healthy pregnancy?
• Is it possible for me to get brochures or other written materials? What websites would you suggest?

It’s important to note that a double uterus is a rare condition, and in many cases, may go undetected as it does not have any symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a double uterus during pregnancy, you must speak with your doctor and ask for the best treatment possible for you and your child!

Also Read:

Bicornuate Uterus
Retroverted Uterus in Pregnancy
Inversion of Uterus