When I found out I was pregnant, I was already aware that I had a bicornuate uterus. The first measure I took was to get an trans-vaginal ultrasound to see if the placenta had attached to a part of my uterus that would provide nutrients or if it was attached at the middle section, where there would not be enough blood supply to provide nutrients and I would miscarry very early on. I had this ultra sound at only 7 weeks and the placenta was in a nutrient full area. I was also taking extra folic acid along with my prenatal vitamins as well as Omega-3’s.
The first doctor I went to said I was immediately high risk pregnancy and that I should be bed ridden for the entire 40 weeks. However I wanted a second opinion, so I went to a specialist. He told me that keeping myself healthy would be the best thing for the baby. Also I was scheduled for another trans vaginal ultra sound at 13 weeks.
So I took the more positive attitude and began walking for 30 minutes every day as well as doing some pregnancy yoga and pilates. I got my walking in while walking my dog, and the exercise was done once early in the morning and once at night. I also made sure to stay hydrated by drinking one gallon of water a day.
With all my efforts to stay healthy, I still had morning sickness (more like all day sickness) from week 8 until about week 14. In this time I lost 10 pounds. I asked my doctor if this would cause any harm to my baby and he said it was normal to lose some weight during this time.
Week 13 I had my next ultra sound and all was still well. This was the first time I heard my baby’s heart beat, it was wonderful. My specialist told me that we would take my pregnancy one day at a time. He was always very positive, and that really helped me cope with the possible situations I may have to face.
Week 22 was my next ultra sound and we were going to try and find out the sex of the baby. However the umbilical cord was between the legs and we were unable to find out. However we were able to see that my baby was growing properly and that the baby was favoring the right side of my uterus. And my doctor informed me that this could cause me to go into labor early because the baby could run out of room. He encouraged me to keep walking because this helped to get the baby in the proper position.
We tried again to find out the sex of the baby at week 26, and we were told 95% sure we were having a little girl.
We had another ultra sound at week 34. All was still going well. The baby had positioned head down and was now taking advantage of both sides of my uterus. It was nice to have the comfort of knowing that I might be able to go full term.
By week 37 I was ready to have my baby girl here. After thinking I was going to deliver early I had not prepared for going full term, and I was tired of being pregnant. I was ready to hold my baby in my arms and see what she looked like. I delivered at 39 and one half weeks. My delivery was induced as my contractions were pushing my baby’s head onto my cervix and causing her heart rate to become unstable. I was able to get a dilated to a three before asking for the epidural. By the time I dilated to a 9 it was realized that my baby was turned sideways and I had to have a c-section. I delivered a beautiful baby girl who was completely healthy and only minimally squished and swollen at delivery.
So my perception on pregnancy with a bicornuate uterus is to first of all follow the directions of your doctor. However if you are doubtful it is always good to get a second opinion. Next stay healthy and stay active. I was able to remain active throughout my entire pregnancy and I believe that it really helped my pregnancy and delivery be so successful. Stay in touch with your body, if something doesn’t seem right, call your doctor. Lastly stay on top of what your baby is doing. I had more ultra sounds and doctor visits then the typical pregnant woman, but I wanted to be sure that I knew what was going on with my baby and my body. Even with anomalies a pregnancy can be very close to normal.
