Hey there! So, you’ve just discovered you have a bicornous or unicornuate uterus, huh? Maybe you’re dreaming of having a baby, or perhaps you’re already pregnant and eager to learn more about it. Well, let me share my journey with you, starting with my successful first pregnancy at 38 weeks.

I found out about my unicornuate uterus when I was around 23 years old, but honestly, I didn’t fully understand what it meant at the time, and I didn’t pay much attention to it. I was in my little youngster world. Fast forward seven years, I found myself thinking more and more about having kids, about starting a family. That’s when I decided to visit the same doctor I’d been seeing for years. I still vividly remember our conversation.

“So, what brings you in today?” she asked.

“Oh, you know, just thinking about kids. Not sure when, but I want to make sure everything’s alright,” I replied.

“You do know you have a unicornuate uterus, right?”

“Umm, excuse me? Uni…what?”

And that’s when she started explaining. You know that feeling when things start to sound a bit foggy? My inner voice was shouting at me, “Hey, Stefania, snap out of it!”

“It’s nothing serious, you were born with it, but getting pregnant might be a bit trickier. There’s a higher risk of premature birth or even miscarriage. Your uterus just doesn’t have enough space. But don’t worry, many women with bicornuate or unicornuate uterus go on to have healthy pregnancies. It’s just a matter of being careful and taking it easy. Many women find out about it when they give birth, rarely can be noticed on scan”.

And just like that, reality hit me. I’d been thinking there was a chance I might not be able to have kids. But hey, let’s see what the experts say, although there aren’t many studies about it.

What is a unicornuate uterus?

So, what exactly is a unicornuate uterus? “A unicornuate uterus is a rare, congenital condition where the uterus is only partially developed,” explains Rebekah Kuschmider in a WebMD article.

Another medical article says, “Having a unicornuate uterus is rare. It means your uterus is about half the size of a normal one because part of it didn’t develop. There’s a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, late miscarriage, or premature birth. The baby might be in an awkward position during subsequent pregnancies, so a cesarean section might be recommended. However, women with unicornuate uterus can still get pregnant, though they’re more common in women who struggle with infertility.”

In my second trimester, I discovered that my baby’s feet didn’t have enough space to develop properly, resulting in bilateral talipes. Additionally, my baby didn’t turn around as expected, ruling out the option of natural childbirth.

Now, if you’ve just found out about your unicornuate uterus and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are some friendly tips from my own experience:

1. I’ve been in your shoes, and guess what? I still got pregnant! So, don’t lose hope, especially if having a baby is your dream.
2. Make sure to take care of yourself. You must get all the necessary tests done, especially gynecological ones. Your doctor will know what’s best for you and your baby.
3. Once you’re pregnant and aware of your unicornuate uterus, be sure to inform your workplace. You’re at a higher risk of miscarriage, so you’ll need to take it easy. If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activities, ask your obstetrician for a medical note explaining your situation.
4. Avoid lifting anything heavy, even if you’re just 6 weeks pregnant. Miscarriages don’t always happen due to exertion, but it’s essential to take good care of yourself.
5. As your pregnancy progresses, your healthcare provider will probably schedule a cesarean section for delivery. Although you may have preferred a natural birth, it’s typically not advised in cases of uterine anomalies.
6. Prepare yourself mentally for the possibility of an early delivery. Thankfully, medical advancements mean premature babies born at 5-6 months can survive. By 37 weeks, their lungs are usually developed enough to breathe on their own.
7. You might have very frequent doctor visits during pregnancy to monitor the baby’s progress. Don’t forget, your workplace should cover the costs of these visits or compensate you for your time at the clinic! Make sure to ask and reach out to a solicitor if you believe your rights have been violated.

In conclusion,

Take a deep breath and try to stay calm, even though having a unicornuate uterus may sound scary! Stay informed, consult your doctor whenever you have questions, and embrace the journey ahead. My pregnancy was a real rollercoaster—nausea and fatigue in the first trimester, extreme crankiness, a burst of energy in the second, and some hilarious restrictions from my obstetrician in the third (like bed rest because she didn’t want anyone else delivering my baby). But in the end, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 3.2 kg. And hey, that’s a story I’m still writing—I’ll share more soon! But before that, check out another interesting story of my life that I shared with you here.

And there you have it! If you just found out that you have a unicornuate uterus and need any more friendly advice or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. We’re in this together!