2 Miscarriages - Subseptate uterus

Hi,

I just joined belly baby today and thought I would share my story. My DH and were ttc for 4 months the first time we conceived which is in nov 07 but miscarried at 5 1/2 weeks. We were told we could start trying again after my next cycle. So we did and didn't conceive until June 08 but again miscarried at 5 1/2 weeks. I was told this was normal but didn't want to believe it. I pushed for test to be done and finally got my referral after being diagnosed with a bicorunate uterus.

So I made an appointment with Sydney IVF as they also do miscarriage management. My first appointment again I was told miscarriages are normal which doesn't help. Anyway the doc sent me for ultrasounds and blood tests.

All my blood test came back normal besides one for blood clotting and that was a low positive which they doc said is okay and wouldn't be the reason for my miscarriages. However my ultrasound showed that I had a subseptate uterus.

So the doc booked me in for surgery two days later and I had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy to remove the septum. I was told my tubes & ovaries were normal and that my uterus wasn't bicorunate. They removed the septum and now I am just about finished the recovery stage.

I am due for a follow up appointment on Wednesday as I am waiting on a few more results from some chromosome blood tests.

Just wondering if anybody else has had septum removed after miscarriages and gone onto having a successful pregnancy? Need a bit of hope as I scared of having another miscarriage.

Hi there Tam
I don't have any advice for you, hopefully some of the other lovely ladies here will, but just wanted to wish you all the best on your ttc journey and hope all turns out well for you!
Take care
xx

Hi and welcome to Belly Belly.

I don't have a subseptate uterus, but I read up a bit about the physiology of the uterus when I found out that I have a retroverted uterus. From what I read, the subseptate uterus is when the two tubes that form the uterus as an embryo do not completely fuse and there is a section of "wall" (the septum) that remains and causes the heart-shape that is usually described for the subseptate uterus.

The length and size of the septum can vary greatly and usually the bigger it is the more problems it can cause. A septum can be so small that it causes no problems at all. A bigger septum can cause problems though. If the baby implants on a septum it unfortunately usually miscarries. If the septum is quite large it can cause premature labour because the uterus cannot stretch as much as usual. And the baby can often be breech because it can't turn as easily.

If you recently had your septum removed I would assume that it was big enough that the doctor thought that it might cause problems for you either conceiving, or carrying to full term. I'm not really sure whether the removal of the septum means that there should now be no problems associated with your subseptate uterus, but I really really hope so :)

I'm very sorry about your losses and I hope that you heal really quickly and that your continued TTC journey is a short one. Good luck!!! :hug:

Hi Tam

I am so sorry for your losses :hug: I am in a similar situation to you, however my hubbie and I are not actively TTC yet. I found out by accident that I have either a Bicornuate Uterus or a Septate Uterus (ultrasounds for other reasons) as well as one kidney - apparently this can go hand-in-hand.

I am leaving the laparoscopy and hysteroscopy until next year as my Gyn wants me to be ready to start TTC immediately afterwards. I think this due to the fact that if its a septum and it is removed (which is pretty likely according to my gyn), it can grow back within 12 months or so.

I too would also love to hear any success stories after having a septum removed. It is constantly on my mind and get upset at times thinking that I will not be able to conceive and be a mother :(

It is nice to hear that I am not the only one on this planet that is like me - somedays I feel like a bit of a congenital weirdo!! :lol:

Thanks

Trina :)

I'm very sorry for your loss...

I to have a subseptate uterus the septum almost divides my uterus in half, I have already had a sucessful pregnancy and she stayed in there for 41 weeks :-)

I havent had the septum removed, apparetly DD just pushed it over...

Good luck with ttcing hope it happens for you soon!

Sorry just joined don't know what I'm doing haha

Hi Tam

I have also had 2 miscarriages due to having a supseptate uteris, I lost both my babys at 12 weeks, the first on 2nd february 2008 and then again on june 3rd 2008.
I also got told it was normal and to keep trying but I knew deep down something wasn't right so I went to a private gynie and all it took was a scan for them to tell me I had a supseptate uteris, when I had already had 2 scans in my pregnancy's but they never picked it up.
I had the operation to remove the septum 5 weeks ago so within the next few days I can try again but yes I'm very scared of haveing another loss but it's worth a try I just really hope that it all works out.
It get's hard mentally that's for sure especially when people who havn't experienced miscarriage at all tell you that it was for the best there was probably something wrong with it and it's mother nature takieing it's course, you'll get over it and all this stuff they have no idea about and it's them people that make the whole experience so much worse just by talking sh...t! I wish people would keep there comments to themselves unless they know what they're talking about.

I really hope things work out for you!

I am so sorry for all of the losses of beautiful angel babies.

But I wanted to post to say that there is hope :)

I have a septate uterus, it was discovered at my first scan, when I was about 7-8 weeks, it looked like there were two sacks, but DD had implanted on the wall of the uterus, not part of the septate, so we were pretty right and my OB had said that it would stretch during pregnancy.

I also had an amniotic band, but it was far enough away from the edge that DD's legs could kinda hung over it, I even have 3D scan pictures showing this :)

One of the more common, risks is also preterm labour, for me that did occur at 33 weeks, and due to a fast progression of labour it was not able to be stopped so I delivered, but am very lucky to have a healthy bub.

I will probably make an appointment with my OB prior to TTC'ing again to see how the uterus has contracted and see what it looks like, and go through the risks.

I doubt we would consider removing the septate unless we encounter problems with future pregnancies.

HTH
xxoo

Hi Ladies,

I would really like to know if any of you have been successful after the operation to remove the septate?...

I had just had my second m/c and they luckily discovered the subseptate condition of my uterus although it still needs to be confirmed.

Please let me know any success stories if you feel up to sharing as it would help me to know there is hope out there.....

Thank-you XOX

Hey there,

Just thought I'd add my experience so far... I had a miscarriage (1st pregnancy) in June this year that wasn't picked up until the 12 week scan (no heartbeat, 8 week size), and at the same time they said my uterus had a 'subseptate appearance'.

When I went to have the D&C a doctor there advised me to see a particular specialist about the septum as she said there was a 80-90% chance of miscarriage with this condition! My GP sent me for a referral but she was not keen on the idea of surgery much. But I was convinced that was what I should do after reading up online. Then when I saw one of the specialists, he said some people get it done, some people don't, miscarriages are very common anyway..blah blah. Totally not what I was expecting to hear. Anyway, I got put on a waiting list in July, as I didn't have private health insurance, just to have the hysteroscopy and then it would only be from there that he would know whether surgery was necessary or not.

So basically after the consultation with this doctor I decided while I was on a 4-6 month(!) waiting list, I would just 'see what happens' in the meantime... The doctor didn't have a problem with that.

So here I am, 8 weeks pregnant again and hoping for good news but obviously just taking one day at a time. Fully aware it could end the same way, but then again it might not, and if I waited all that time on the waiting list (in the grand scheme of things not really that long I know!) only to find out surgery wasn't even needed...!? My GP this time didn't seem too worried either.

Reading stories of successful pregnancies with septums has been encouraging!

I have a scan in a couple of days to see if I've at least got further than I did last time, trying not to get excited, just fingers crossed...

Best wishes to you all here,

H.x

H,

Thank you for sharing your experiences and your reply. I've had 2 m/c this year and they recently discovered the septate on an u/s. I'm booked in for testing soon, but like you, on waiting lists... (how frustrating.) I too will be looking into surgery as the results are so positive after, but will also be trying again while on the waiting list for that!

Fingers crossed for you XOX please let me know how you go, sending you plenty of baby dust, .....~\_(^_^)_/~.....

Summer X

P.S. If any other ladies have updated info on their experiences please share... it seems noone writes back after they have the op..... hopefully that means all went well after??....

Thanks Summer for your kind wishes,

All was 'normal' at the scan this week, measured 8 weeks and 167 heart rate, so couldn't have got any better news really. Just have to be patient now for the next month before the next scan. Trying not to stress but not getting too excited either as it just doesn't seem real yet. Probably won't seem real for a long time!

I think some of the other girls in this thread have written their updates in other threads, so you could try looking at 'all posts by' whoever you're wondering about?

Helen.x

Hey, just an update... I requested another scan before my NT one next week, as I got myself in a bit of state worrying that the same thing would happen as last time and wanted to know before Christmas!

So I had a scan last week and turned out to be 11 weeks, a few days more that I expected so that was good. When I asked about the septum this time she said she couldn't even see it! She hunted around and found the 'bump' eventually, but it was obviously just stretching out. So the only way I've found out about this septum is because last time I had the miscarriage the baby was only 8 weeks when it should have been 12 weeks, and then it was visible in the 8 week scan this time too. But if i'd only ever had a successful 11/12 week one I'd never know!

Anyway, fingers crossed NT scan next week is normal too. Just starting to let myself get a little bit excited that this is real! So glad I didn't wait for the operation now!

Happy New Year to anyone that's reading! :dance:

Helen.x

Fabulous news Helen :D

I hope all goes well with your next scan and you can site back and enjoy the wonderful pregnancy journey you have ahead of you, a lovely Christmas/New Years Present :D
Take care
xxoo

Helen,

Thats fabulous news! I hope everything is continuing to go well for you XOX
(Sorry I haven't been on here for a while hence the late reply.)

In case any one else finds themselves in a similar situation, I thought I'd share my progress.

At m/c #2 they suspected I had the subseptate uterus, but when I finally got into my gyny visit, who then referred me for a 3D ultra sound, they confirmed I have an accurate uterus which is in fact a slight variation of the norm, but still what they call normal. Apparently it can appear to be subseptate on the 2D scan but a 3D scan can confirm this officially.

So, I'm all good to go, and considering how my tummy has completely popped out in a ridiculous way I have a very strong hunch I'm 3 weeks pregnant. (I usually have a very flat tummy)

So 3rd time lucky, wish me luck and baby dust.....

Summer XOX

Great news Summer! I wonder if mine will turn out to be a simliar variation?

I finally got a date in March for my hysteroscopy that I was on a waiting list for, but obviously had to cancel and i'll just see what happens later on. I'm 17 weeks now and all good so far... But such a long way to go! Still a bit nervous now and then and can't wait for a proper bump and the 'fluttering' to be a definite kick!

Wishing you lots of luck and baby dust!

xx

Helen - You've hit the 17 week mark - well done! I bet you can't wait to feel some definite kicks... although once you feel them you may decide otherwise..... still, having an active baby must be very reassuring.

Rereading what you posted previously, I had a similar thing with my GP. I don't really have a regular GP, but the last one I saw told me to wait 6 months before even trying for another baby.... 6 MONTHS,
a) it was definitely a MALE GP, and
b)does he have no idea??? Telling a woman who desperately wants a baby to wait 6 months?....

However, the specialist I saw was great and had no problems doing the operation if I had required it. Hopefully all goes well this time round, but if not I'll just go back to my specialist, but hopefully I wont have another 2 month wait (I was lucky with even that!!)

FYI - My belly is like a little balloon! This is unbelievable for only 3+ weeks. I swear I look about 15 weeks preggers, but no0one is seeming to notice, crazy how in tune you are with your own body, especially about a bump, but noone else seems to notice...

I just thought I'd give an update, and mcHelen, I'm wondering how you are going??

I am now 11 weeks 5 days pregnant, so yes, it is posible to know and 3 weeks, and yes, it is possible for your stomache to pop out! Luckily, since then, I haven't really gotten a whole lot bigger. Usually a bit smaller in the morning, then popped out in the afternoon, but not really huge or anything yet.

From 5 weeks I went to a Fertility clinic and they monitored my progesterone and HCG levels, this was very reassuring to have results twice per week to confirm all was ok. They also sent me for several early ultra sounds which were all very positive and we heard baby's heartbeat - so cool.

I was very thankful for this specialized care and they also recommended me a new specialist fertility/pregnancy GP and he is excellent! So happy to be in good care. :-)

Good luck to everyone out there, and follow your heart and do what you think it best. XOX

These stories seem similar to mine ... we have been TTC for four months and in that time had two early miscarriages. I have found out I have a subseptate uterus, the septate looks like an inverted pyramid and seems to be taking up a hell of a lot of real estate - I can't imagine how a baby could fit!
My specialist has told me a couple of things:
1. it is rare to have this operated on, as it can be very risky and rupture the uterus (she said the operation is probably only performed three times per year at RPA to give me perspective)
2. lots of people have a normal pregnancy with a subseptate uterus
3. it may not have caused the miscarriages anyhow
But this is different to what the doctor who performer the test this week said (he told me he thought it was so large it would need operating). Another friend who is pregnant told her doctor and his first comment was 'is she having the operation' as if it is the most normal thing in the world
I am totally confused - based on what I have read on forums plenty of people have had this operation, it is a basic day surgery and it greatly improves the chances of a normal pregnancy. I feel like the specialist thinks I am a drama queen who reads the internet too much and should just keep trying. Any advice would be appreciated. Including specialists in Sydney who perform this procedure. Much thanks.

I have just had the surgery last friday - 'hysteroscopic resection of the uterine septum and laparoscopy and dye test' to be exact ! all other results fine, so tubes and overies are ok. (happy) doctors advised that normally i would have needed a coil to help with recovery after the septum was removed but my surgery went so well i did not need one and i can start trying straight away ! good news, I will keep you updated with progress. your right i cannot see much about sucess rates of TTC after surgery. I will say this, the procedure really hurts afterward !

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say that I had a hysteroscopic resection of the uterine septum and laparoscopy last year in September and as the surgeons were not able to complete the resection in one session had the remainder done in October last year. We were told to wait for 3 months before TTC and decided to try in January 2010, by February 2010 we discovered we were pregnant and I am now 24 weeks pregnant and all seems to be going fine.

I have huge paranoia everytime I feel a twinge as I had 3 miscarriages before I was diagnosed, but I was told that my septum was so severe that I had no chance of having a successful pregnancy without the surgery, so I thought this was my only choice.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know there are success stories.

Jenny

Hi Ladies, thanks so much for sharing your stories. I've found them more helpful than all the textbook info online. I too have a septate uterus.

In 2003 at 37 weeks, they could not turn my breech baby so scheduled me for a c-section. I went into labour naturally only a few short hours before the c-section and gave birth vaginal footling breech (feet first). She is a healthy almost 8 year old now.

In 2004 we ttc again for 2 years with no success. The relationship broke down and I later met my current partner and we have been ttc for 4 1/2 years. He has male factor issues, and I have had a lot of cervical pain for years. An ultrasound last year diagnosed a septate uterus. I can't believe I went the entire pregnancy 8 years ago and no one knew I had a divided uterus. It explains so much. My first ultrasound was 19 weeks, so they didn't spot it early on. They attempted an ECV to turn her around, with no success. Looking back, no wonder it hurt so much- they were pushing her head into the septum!

I will start seeing a gyno next week to find out the next step, and see if surgery is a possibility. I will keep you informed.

Please, if other ladies are out there with septate or bicornate uterus issues- come and share your experiences.

Just thought I would share as well.

I also have a bicornuate/supseptate uterus. I have had 2 early miscarriages and 1 earthside baby born at 38 weeks on the nose. I am PG with our 2nd and have crossed the dreaded time when I usually miscarry.

well into pregnancy my bub usually just pushes the septum out of the way

hope this helped

I haven't been into this thread since my first pregnancy.

But an update on my second, it was a twin pregnancy, I had a twin on either side of the septum, Twin A was attached to the uterine wall and partially to the septum, where as Twin B was attached more to the septum, such there was not the blood supply for Twin B to grow and nuture. I lost twin B early in the pregnancy, both sacks were also joined and we almost lost Twin A as well, but once the sack for Twin B ruptured, it stopped dragging Twin A with it and Twin A was able to grow.

It was not at all an easy pregnacy, a raft of complications and if you want to read the full story you can read the birth story here, as it covers the pregnancy and birth of DD2. But we are extremely lucky to have DD2 with us and often think of her little angel twin.