Publisher's Synopsis
If you have a bicornuate uterus, it means that your uterus in heart-shaped. The uterus is the organ in a woman's body that holds a baby. This condition is sometimes referred to as a "heart-shaped" womb because it actually looks like a heart.
The shape of your uterus is important if you become pregnant because it affects how a baby lies in your womb. Uterus irregularities are relatively unusual. About 3 percent of women are born with a defect in the size, shape, or structure of their uterus. A bicornuate uterus is one of the most common types of uterine irregularities.
Having a bicornuate uterus probably won't affect your fertility. It could lead to problems such as miscarriage and early birth, though you may still be able to have a successful pregnancy and delivery.It's important to surround yourself with a good medical team that will monitor your pregnancy carefully. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about any concerns you might have.
A bicornuate uterus is a uterine malformation that is produced due to impairment in the fusion of Mullerian ducts. The bicornuate uterus is a rare anomaly, but it is associated with worse reproductive outcomes; recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm labor are most common. To avoid the obstetric complications related to this anomaly, a high suspicion should be maintained for adolescents presenting with menstrual complaints. Diagnosis should be followed by aggressive prenatal monitoring or surgical unification depending on an individual basis. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of bicornuate uterus and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and improving the care of patients with this condition.
Objectives:
- Review the pathophysiology of a bicornuate uterus.
- Outline the typical presentation of a patient with bicornuate uterus.
- Identify the different imaging options available for the diagnosis of a bicornuate uterus.
- Summarize the complications of a bicornuate uterus and explain the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and improving the care of patients with bicornuate uterus.
