An abnormality of the uterus can make it more difficult for you to carry your baby for the full nine months of pregnancy. Some abnormalities require extra monitoring during pregnancy to give you the best chance of having a baby. These problems can be congenital – one that you were born with – or an acquired abnormality that has developed in the uterus.
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ shaped like an upside-down pear, and about 3 in 100 women are born with an abnormality in the size, shape or structure of the uterus. A common congenital abnormality isseptate uterus, which occurs when your uterus is separated into two parts by a band of muscle or tissue that did not fuse together during development before birth.
Congenital uterine abnormalities usually are diagnosed using imaging tests, such as a vaginal ultrasound, and some problems will be corrected with surgery, often when there is a history of miscarriage or premature birth. Some women with uterine abnormalities have normal, full-term pregnancies, so surgery is not always recommended.
Acquired uterine abnormalities include fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle tissue. Up to 40 percent of women develop fibroids during their reproductive years. Most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies, but fibroids can increase the risk of complications including infertility, miscarriage, early labor, and the need for Caesarian delivery. If repeated pregnancy losses are caused by fibroids, surgery may be recommended to remove them.
Uterine adhesions, or scars that can result from previous surgery or infection, may also contribute to infertility, repeat miscarriage and premature birth. Imaging tests can diagnose adhesions, which can be removed to improve the chances of a normal pregnancy.
It's possible to have a uterine abnormality without knowing it, and about 8 percent of women who seek help for infertility find that they have some sort of uterine problem. If you know that you have an abnormal uterus, you may feel anxious during your pregnancy, especially if you've had previous miscarriages. Remember that complete prenatal care gives you the best chance of having a successful delivery, so make an appointment to see your obstetrician or nurse practitioner at Northline Women's Health Center at the first sign that you might be pregnant.
