Pregnancy is a unique experience, one which every individual may experience in an unexpected way. Some stories, however, are much more perplexing than others. This includes a double uterus pregnancy with twins, and while this kind of pregnancy is a rare occurrence, it’s not totally impossible.

A double uterus pregnancy with twins is what happens when each half of the uterus carries a baby. The double uterus, also referred to as uterus didelphys, is where the uterus in a woman’s body is in two halves that function separately, each with a cervix. Let’s deep dive into this pregnancy phenomenon.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Diana Rangaves writes for 21Ninety’s as a health and wellness expert. She is a pharmacist, philanthropist, and ethics professor turned writer, holding a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of California. She also serves as the Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer for Healthcare Worldwide Central and has published several works in medical and pharmaceutical publications, academic books, as well as, scholarly articles.

What Is a Double Uterus?

It is a condition that develops during the early stages of child development before birth. It occurs when the two tubes that combine to form the uterus do not combine, resulting in the woman having two separate uteruses. Each uterus has one fallopian tube and one ovary, and each has a cervix. In some cases, the two cervixes open into one vagina, whereas in others, you might have two vaginas. It is a rare occurrence affecting only a small percentage of women.

Are There Any Symptoms or Diagnoses for the Double Uterus?

There are no symptoms associated with having a double uterus. Some people often learn about this during a pelvic exam or an imaging test. In cases where a woman has two vaginas, they might notice during menstruation. It can be noticed, for example, when blood is coming from the other vagina even though they have a tampon on.

Those with only one vulva opening into two cervixes might learn about this either once they get pregnant or after a routine well-woman check-up. Though it may seem complicated, those with double uteruses still have normal sex lives.

What To Expect In Pregnancy With A Double Uterus

Once you get pregnant and you have a double uterus, the doctor will monitor you closely to ensure you and the baby or babies are safe. This is because double uterus pregnancies are categorized as high-risk. There are some complications associated with double uterus pregnancies.

Miscarriages are one of the most common risks associated with this kind of pregnancy. This is because of the abnormalities of the half uterus, which may affect implantation and fetal development. Because the uterus is divided into two halves, in some cases, there is the risk of premature birth. This is because the baby has limited space to grow in each uterus as it is half the size of a normal one.

Some other complications that may arise with double uterus pregnancies include a breech baby. It is when the baby does not turn and comes out feet first, which could cause delivery complications. Other complications include infertility in women and kidney issues. Therefore, once you get pregnant, constant monitoring is essential to ensure your baby is developing well, and the doctor should also check if it is a twin double uterus pregnancy to advise on how best to care for yourself and the babies.

What Is a Double Uterus Pregnancy With Twins?

Because a double uterus is when you have two uteruses, each with one ovary and fallopian tube, in some rare cases, you might experience a double twin pregnancy. This is when a baby is growing in each half of the uterus. They say it is a one-in-a-million case, but that does not mean it is impossible. There are some real-life cases where a woman has given birth to two children who were growing in each of the uterus.

What to Do in Case You Have a Double Uterus Pregnancy

Pregnancy, double uterus or not, is a beautiful journey for every mother-to-be. As soon as you discover you are pregnant, it is essential to see a healthcare provider who has experience in dealing with high-risk pregnancies. The healthcare provider will start you on your antenatal care plan, which may involve more tests, frequent hospital visits, and special monitoring to ensure you and your babies are healthy.

During the visits, the doctor will advise you on some signs and symptoms of complications to look out for. You may also get some supplements to reduce the likelihood of preterm labor. As your pregnancy progresses, there will be a discussion of a possible cesarean delivery, but all these will be geared toward preparing you for safe delivery.

In cases where you have a double uterus pregnancy, it is essential to keep yourself informed by reading more to understand better what to expect. You should also have a strong support system around you. This is to support you through the tough days. However, with proper care and monitoring, you will remain healthy and safe, as the doctor will always check for any alarming signs.

If you have a double uterus twin pregnancy, you shouldn’t worry; the journey is like any other type of pregnancy. Each pregnancy has its unique challenges, and the only difference is that you will need closer monitoring by a doctor to ensure you and your babies are safe.