Bicornuate uterus and pregnancy

Care is individual. The extent of the division, previous pregnancy history, cervical findings, fetal growth, and the baby's position all influence the plan more than the label alone.

A bicornuate uterus has two upper cavities separated to varying degrees. As pregnancy progresses, the available shape and space can influence how the baby lies and may be associated with miscarriage, early labour, cervical shortening, restricted growth, or a breech or sideways position.

These are possibilities, not predictions for an individual pregnancy. Confirming the anatomy matters because a septate uterus has a different internal structure and may lead to a different discussion about management outside pregnancy.

Tell your maternity team about the diagnosis at booking and share previous scans or operation notes. They may arrange targeted ultrasound checks for the cervix, fetal growth, placental location, and fetal position according to your findings and obstetric history.

Keep antenatal appointments and discuss medicines, exercise, travel, and birth preferences in the context of your pregnancy. Before conception, a gynaecology review can clarify uncertain anatomy and address recurrent pregnancy loss or previous preterm birth.

Contact your maternity service promptly for vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, regular tightening or contractions, new pelvic pressure, severe abdominal pain, fever, or a noticeable reduction in your baby's usual movements once movement patterns are established.

Heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain, breathing difficulty, or collapse requires emergency care. Follow the personalised contact instructions from your maternity unit, since the right destination can depend on gestation and local services.

Ask how confidently the uterine shape was identified, what monitoring is proposed, and whether your cervix or previous pregnancies change that plan. Discuss how fetal position and placental location could affect birth, plus whom to call if bleeding, contractions, fluid loss, or movement changes occur.