February 10th 2013, the day we found out we were expecting. The same day, one year later, was my first appointment with my fertility specialist.
After my water broke, and I delivered my daughter seven weeks early, I often wondered why. Did I do something wrong? Would it happen again if I were to get pregnant in a few years? Most women who experience preterm labor ask themselves these same questions. Many times there aren’t answers. For me, I didn’t have any answers until my daughter was almost three months old.
About two months after my daughter was born, I had some postpartum complications that required a D&C (Dilation and curettage). During this procedure, the doctor happened to discover that I had a uterine septum. In the simplest terms, a uterine septum is a wall in the middle of the uterus. Many women, like myself, can have this condition without ever knowing.
A uterine septum can vary in size and can be hard to detect with just an ultrasound. Usually a diagnosis will require more invasive measures because it can easily be confused with a heart shaped uterus. In fact, it is so difficult to tell, the doctor who performed my c-section of my second daughter’s birth thought that I had a heart shaped uterus during surgery.
A septum can cause problems with both fertility and pregnancy. Many women who have a uterine septum can still get pregnant like I did. However, it can cause miscarriage if the embryo settles on the wall’s lining. The lining does not have the same abilities or blood flow as the outer walls of the uterus to support and grow a baby. According to my doctor, it was a miracle that I was able to get pregnant at all with my daughter because my septum was extremely large.
A uterine septum can also cause problems later in pregnancy because the wall creates a much smaller space for the baby to grow and move. This can cause preterm labor or it can cause a baby to be in a breech position.
After my diagnosis, I was referred to a fertility specialist to undergo more tests. I had an MRI and an HSG along with a few ultrasounds to confirm the septum and it’s size. Then my doctor scheduled me for a hysteroscopy, an outpatient surgery to remove my septum. My doctor told me going into the surgery that they would not be able to remove the entire wall. She explained that removing too much of the wall, once you begin to reach muscle, can cause complications later on.
My procedure went really well and my doctor was very confident in my future fertility. In fact, we were blessed with a surprise pregnancy just three months after my surgery. I was able to carry my second daughter to just over 38 weeks, although she was breech. If you have any more specific questions about my diagnosis or treatment, please feel free to contact me.
Oh my goodness! I had a very similar situation in 2013 and hadn’t met anyone else that had. My daughter was born at 29weeks because of the septum nobody knew I had. My OB though I had a heart shaped uterus too and that was not it. I ended up having 2 procedures to have the septum removed. I was able to carry my son to 37weeks after the surgery. So good of you to share your story!
Hi Brittany –
Thanks for sharing your story. I gave birth to my son, via emergency c-section, in July 2013. I was only 29 weeks pregnant. My water broke at 26 weeks, and I remained on hospitalized bed rest for three weeks until I began having contractions and developing an infection. During my c-section, it was discovered that I, too, have a uterine septum.
After 10 long and traumatic weeks in the NICU, my son was released. He is now 2 1/2 and he is healthy and amazing in every way. My husband and I are terrified of trying for a second child, however, as our experience with our first child left us somewhat broken for a long, long time. I somewhat recently found out about the Hysteroscopy procedure and I’m thinking about scheduling an informational appointment. Do you know, is this a procedure that is typically covered by insurance or is it considered elective? Does an OB/GYN perform the procedure, or a specialist? I don’t even know where to begin.
I’m so happy to hear that it was successful for you. Your story is gives me hope that I, one day, will also be able to experience the joy of a long and healthy pregnancy.
I have the same issue and I am on my 4th pregnancy. This issue has caused a lot of problems and I wish I had known earlier it could be taken care of quite easily. Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to know someone else is like me! Going to ultrasounds is always fun since they look at me like I’m an alien for having a unique uterus!
Hei guys I’m Pauline, I just want to ask guys, I guess I’m having a same problem, I’m pregnant and I can feel something in my tummy, but the problem is that I’m having nagetive results and I wen to a gynecologist they said they can’t see anything, and my tummy is getting bigger by the day n it’s bigger on top below its bigger but not that much, I guess I have that heart shape uterus idnt know, pliz help if someone experienced a same problem, all the test prove negative, I’m confused now guyz pliz help
Lisa- I had to have 2 surgeries to remove my septum totally and both were covered by insurance after my deductible. My OB did the first attempt and wasn’t happy with the results. He then sent me to a feterility specialist because that dr was used to seeing “interesting” things. He did the surgery as a outpatient procedure and released me to try for baby 2 after 4mths.
Thank you much for sharing your story with me too! It was a lonely time going through the process since it is so rare. I am so glad everything worked out for you!
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for your comment! I am so sorry about everything you had to go through, it is so scary. I am so glad your son is thriving! The insurance piece was very tricky. When my septum was discovered, I was referred by my OB to a fertility specialist for the testing and surgery. It was SO hard getting the appointments, prescriptions and other things covered by my insurance. I didn’t have “infertility” coverage at all, so since everything I was doing was technically through an infertility clinic, things had to be coded just right. I would be happy to help you in any way if you want to send me your direct email. Good luck with your decision!
Hi Brittany,
I just had the uterine septum surgery in November and am having the same issue with coverage by my insurance. Do you mind sharing some information or tips on how you were able to get things covered? Thanks so much!
Hi Brittany! I’m having this same issue with having insurance cover surgery for a uterine septum. I am also going through an infertility clinic and do not have insurance coverage for infertility. Would love any advice on coding if you have the chance. My email is tanagraves@icloud.com. Many thanks in advance. Tana
Thank you so much for sharing your story too! I never knew such a thing even existed before having my daughter. Good luck with your pregnancy!
Hey I have had a very similar situation within the past 8 years. 3 miscarriages, I have a septum also that was partially removed by my fertility specialist after my 3rd miscarriage. I am not pregnant again for the first time after surgery. I was wondering, did your doctor ever put you on bedrest any time through your pregnancy and did you have any more complications with bleeding or cramping a lot too?
I stumbled upon this and wanted to post about my experience, the first time I found out my uterus was abit different was when I was pregnant with my now 5year old daughter, the sonographer commented that my uterus was abit heart shaped and gave a little giggle, so I didnt think much of it, I managed to carry her to 40weeks exactly roll on to 2017 me and my partner tried again for baby 2 which ended in a miscarriage at 5.5weeks that was then they told me I had a septate uterus, but nothing more was said so I did not know the dangers.
2018 I fall pregnant again and lose the baby at 4.4weeks
2019 a week ago from now I found out at my 12week scan my baby had no heartbeat so lost this baby too
I have had 3miscarriages in a row and was never told the complications from any professional, I had to do my own research
I am now going to be referred to a gynacolgist
Just wanted to share my story
Hi, I’m going through this currently. It’s been a torturous week. A week ago I had my first ultrasound and no fetal pole or heartbeat was detected. That’s when I found out I had a septum and that’s where it had implanted. The next day I fainted and was taken to the er by emts called by the police. They did their own ultrasound and told me I likely had a cornual ectopic pregnancy and to come back if I started bleeding and that that was why I likely fainted. Two days later I had a small amount of faint pink discharge so I headed straight back
to the er terrified I had an ectopic pregnancy and something had ruptured. There they did another ultrasound and said false alarm we now agree you just have a septum which is where implantation occurred and that’s why we were confused about potential cornual ectopic. pregnancy and to go back to my ob and discuss. So I did and she said at this point it’s just waiting to see if it can survive growing off the septum but to not get my hopes up and to have surgery before any future pregnancy. I truly appreciate her honesty, but the wait is torture. Has anyone had any successful outcomes from implantation in the septum? Also, was surgery painful? How long did you need to wait after surgery to ttc? Thank you in advance for any support. I’m so grateful for people sharing their stories it helps me feel less alone. My husband has been there for me throughout and been amazing but he doesn’t seem to understand what it’s like. He keeps trying to reassure me that at least we had no fertility problems and once everything is fixed we can just try again.
Wow! Your story is almost me to a tee! So happy to hear the good results 🙂
If you don’t mind contacting me I would love to ask you a few questions! carriekirby927@hotmail.com.
Thank you! I just sent you an email 🙂
Can u correct uterine septum without surgery if u could email me at katielamb32@gmail.com
Hi Katie,
I don’t believe it is something that can be fixed without surgery. I would check with your doctor though because every situation is unique. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Brittany
I was wondering if you could e-mail me. My e-mail is victoria_brown2010@yahoo.com.
Hi. Was reading your post about your septate uterus. I have that and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months and haven’t had any luck! was wanting more info please. I’d love for you to contact me!
Hi Brittany,
I’m currently 12 weeks, almost 13 weeks into my first pregnancy. I was diagnosed with a bicornuate uterus and then it was later changed to a septate uterus back in 2017. We didn’t think I could become pregnant but here I am. I’m terrified to be honest and would love to pick your brain if you are still active here! Please email me at cjungmee1@hotmail.com !! I would love some advice.
Hi,
I have a complete septum in my uterus but I don’t want to do the surgery for fear of becoming infertile. Me and my husband are going to ttc and see what happens :/. Thanks for sharing your story. Gives me hope that I can have a healthy baby even with the septum.
Wow great story! A year ago, at 10.5 weeks I was diagnosed with blighted ovum and complete septum uterus. Had to do a pill abortion. The doctor at the time didn’t even say much about the ubbornality in uterus said its no problem and that blighted ovum happens only once in a lifetime. So I didn’t seek any other help or advice. A week ago I had another blighted ovum, this time at 9 weeks and they couldn’t tell why and didn’t even point out the uterus abnormality. I panic over the fact it’s a 2nd blighted ovum and today went to a specialist and moment he heard I have septum uterus he said it needs to be removed and it’s definitely what’s causing the miscarriages. He didn’t do an ultrasound because the tech who has an expertise in septum uterus wasn’t there so he ordered me to do a whole lot of blood work and asked to come back Thursday. He is not covered by my insurance (HMO) so worried it’s goin to cost a fortune. I’m also going to my regular OBG and also see what she will say. I’m a little worried cz I read online the surgery can cause infirtility 🙁
Hi!
I’m going in for a hysteroscopy tomorrow and was just googling around to see other people’s experiences. Were you in any pain after?
I delivered my 1 year old son via emergency c-section at 29 weeks– 2 days after my water broke unexpectedly. My doctors keep telling me that my water breaking isn’t related to the uterine septum, but I feel like they are. Did your drs confirm for you that the two were connected? I know you said you had a surprise pregnancy but did you see high risk doctors or anything during that pregnancy? I’m scared of going early with a 2nd but I definitely want more children. Would love to hear more about your experience if you could email me or respond here!
Thanks!
I miscarried early and when I went in for the first ultrasound they discovered they didn’t see the baby they were supposed to but did see what they thought were two uteri. Fortunately there was only one with a complete septum. Since November I’ve had two surgeries, the first one they thought went perfect and got it all but upon post op visit there was still more septum than they wanted to leave so I went in today for a second hysteroscopy to remove the rest. He still wasn’t able to get all that he wanted today but has gotten almost all of it. Now I’m trying to decide if I should try to conceive and hope I can maintain a healthy pregnancy with the 6 mm of septum left of have another procedure. Can any of you offer advice? I don’t know where to go from here?
Hi Ashley. IAM not sure if you’ll see my comment , two years later but was reading the comments and see your story is most similar to mine. I had two surgeries to remove my Septum. I just had another miscarriage (about a yr after septum was successfully removed) and doc thinks I need a third freaking surgery. Have you had any success??
Hi !! Your story inspires me alot. I found out i was having a subseptate uterus in 2019 after i got married. We were afraid that i couldn’t conceive . But a blessful 2020 i got pregnant my first trimester is so far going well. I am not sure what to expect. But your story gave me confidence that things will be well.
Hi Stef: I am in this exact position right now and trying to figure out if I need a third surgery, can you let me know how things turned out for you? I have a 4mm septate right now-
I was in your position and had three surgeries over 5 months. I must say I myself thought about just trying to conceive after growing frustrated, but went in for the third surgery. Am so glad I did. Two weeks after my third surgery, my doctor cleared me to start trying. 13 weeks later I am 12 weeks pregnant and baby looks good (-: Hang in there, I know how tough it is.
Marisa-thanks for the reply! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Hope it’s goes smooth and you deliver a healthy baby! After your third surgery was the septum completely removed or was there any left? The research I’ve done indicates that having 4mm isn’t a lot? Thanks again for the reply!
I still have a TINY bit left, but not enough to cause issues. They found I had a septum with my first pregnancy (miscarriage). The baby attached on the septum VERY high which caused so many issues. I had to have 1 d&c to attempt to remove and then 2 surgeries just to cut the retained tissue out that wouldn’t suck out. I was told if a baby attaches on a septum, it has very low chances because it likely doesn’t provide appropriate nutrition.
I also am on the thinner side so when it attached to the septum it also implanted into the muscle, which apparently is somewhat common to people who are thin. I definitely didn’t want to risk that again because it was torturous. With that said, my understanding is 4mm isn’t huge. However, if a baby did attach on it, I don’t know if you could have a similar situation to what I had.
Hi Ashley: I am in a similar position right now and just wondering what you decided to do and how it Turned out-
Thanks,
S
I’m so sorry Ashley! I’m glad they were able to remove a lot of the septum. My doctor wasn’t able to completely remove mine either. I’m not sure exactly how much is left but I know it’s there. I’m sure that’s why my second daughter was breech and came at 38 weeks. I did take progesterone and see my doctor often but it was a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. I think 6mm still leaves plenty of room for a healthy baby to grow!
I just had my surgery yesterday Dr said everything looks good I have a follow up in about 6 weeks. I don’t feel any cramp and there wasn’t much bleeding. When there was bleeding which was the day off if seemed light in color like the salinethey used. I get a quick pain here and there but no real cramping. I cannot wait to start trying, have a successful pregnancy and grow our family. The septum was found las year August, but I didn’t want think it was serious plus the doctor diagnosed me with PCOS which he said would make it hard to conceive. So we was shock when we found out we got pregnant and even more shock, sad and scared when I miscarried at 8-10 weeks. Love reading successful stories.
I am so sorry about your miscarriage. It sounds like your surgery and recovery is going really well. Please let us know about your growing family! I will be thinking and praying for you!
Hi dear , I got my large septum removed two days back as I had 2 miscarriages , can you suggest when should I go for Ttc again
Hi Kiran,
I’m very sorry about your miscarriages. I would definitely talk to your doctor about when the best time would be to start trying. I know my doctor wanted me to have one normal cycle before we thought about trying, but I didn’t have a history of miscarriages so it could be different. Good luck!
Hi similar story.. i had my first miscarriage when i was three months pregnant reason no heart beat. But later my bleeding wasn’t stop after 3 months and i diagnosed with uterine septum my dr did 3d ultrasound he said its so broad and untreatable but you can try to conceive. I m soo afraid of an other miscarriage should i try to conceive with septum or go for 2nd dr opinion pleaseee help me
Hi Ayesha,
I am so sorry to hear that. I would definitely get a second opinion especially if the diagnosis was through ultrasound. There are a few other tests they can perform that might give some more insight.
Good luck!
Brittany
My name is Marisa, I am currently 12 weeks pregnant with a partial uterine septum. I had a rough road. I lost my son last year at about 21 weeks, but the cause of my preterm labor was me having an infection. I had a lot of issues with my pregnancy with my son. Bleeding and passing clots at 6 weeks, 14 weeks and 17 weeks. I had a low fluid scan at about 20 weeks and each and every time my old OB thought everything was normal and my son was growing on track and his heartbeat always strong. About a week and a half after my low fluid scan – I went into labor in my home. I delivered my son in my toilet. It was the worst experience on my life. I had a long recovery; two hospital stays, two week long rounds of IV antibiotics, with each time being sent home with oral antibiotics, two D&C’s, a laparoscopic surgery (which this is where my OB focused on my septum and said it is very muscular and flexible -not fibrous). I begged my new OB to remove my septum, but she talked me into not doing it. Although the cause of losing my son seems to aim more towards infection rather than my septum being the cause, it is still in the back of my mind.
I am 12 weeks and thus far I have had zero complications, I am much more calm this time around, but in the back of my head I keep thinking about this septum. This time around I am monitored more closely, I have been going every two weeks. Starting at 14 weeks they will start to measure my cervical length (at my anomaly scan with my son, they distinguished I did not have an incompetent cervix), but because I went into preterm labor they do not want to rule it out. Also from 16 weeks to 36 weeks I will get progesterone shots.
Apart of me feels, like I wish I would have it removed, but I trust my OB with everything. She saved my life last year when losing my son. I just pray everyday everything is smooth sailing from here.
I had the same experiance as you, I have a sepyum and I lost my son at 21 wweks and 5 days. I also had an incompetent cervix, and blood clots the aize of fist and lots of masive blood. Also my bllod type is A negative and husband A positive, my placenta got filled with blood and also that infected the water in it and after delivery my whole body was infected. My Crp was 112 so I was kept 1 week in hospital and I got D&C two times. I will have my laparascopy& hysteroscopy surgery this weeks to remove the septum which the doctors believe that caused all the problems that I had. It is to painful to lose a baby, septum removal can not be mpre painful than what we went through. I hope you are well and that your second pregnancy went well.
Oh Marisa thank you for taking the time to share your story. I am so sorry about your son! I know what it feels like to have the septum always in the back of your mind, but it sounds like your doctor feels confident about this pregnancy. I will be praying everything goes smoothly for you and please keep us updated on your pregnancy!
Thank you for sharing your story! I too miscarried with my first pregnancy but I was earlier than you, only around 6 weeks. It was during my first ultrasound I discovered I was miscarrying and that I have a uterine septum. I had two surgeries to remove the septum but still have 6mm left, my ob says that may be enough but to consider another surgery. I am now around 5 weeks pregnant and that septum is always in the back of my mind. I have has zero cramping or bleeding this time, unlike last time so I am hoping things will be better this time. I’m praying for peace of mind for you and for the health of both you and your baby!
Thank you for your reply! It is so weird to come to find out of my uterine abnormality and not realize there are many women with the same issue. It stinks, always having the thought in the back of my head, but everything is going so amazingly well. From what I read miscarriage early on is the main concern and I guess people always believe the baby will push the septum out of the way, especially since mine is partial and a lot
more flexible. My OB actually told me that last week she delivered someone with two uteruses and two cervix. The baby actually pushed the other uterus all the way to those side! She went to term. I just pray everyday that in the end I deliver a term baby that is just healthy. The same with You.
Thank you for sharing your story! I also had a miracle baby (in 2014) without knowing that I had a septum. My water broke at 28 weeks and I was able to stay pregnant until 30 weeks on bed rest at the hospital until infection set in. Last year I miscarried at 7 weeks and then was unable to get pregnant after. My doctor convinced me to have an SIS ultrasound and that was when we discovered the septum. I had my surgery just last week and will have a repeat SIS in 3 months (after which we can TTC). I found your post because I have become somewhat consumed with the whole thing. This waiting around truly is the hardest part and I find it very encouraging to see other successful stories! Did you also do progesterone with your pregnancy?
Thank you for your comment Karen! I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage but I’m glad you are on the road to recovery and getting the treatment you need. Please let us know how everything goes! I did do progesterone with my second pregnancy! My doctor prescribed it for the first trimester and then from about 20-37 weeks.
Hi Brittany, did you take progesterone while TTC with the second one, or did you start taking it after you got a positive test?
Hi Courtney, I did not take progesterone before because we weren’t actively trying to get pregnant. I just contacted my doctor as soon as I found out and she put me on the progesterone then. Again we weren’t actually trying to get pregnant so I can’t say for sure what my doctors would have preferred. I hope that answers your questions!
Brittany
Hi Brittany I have utrine septem removal surgery very soon please contact me to ask you questions how yours went this is my contact email Oceanview869@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your post. It’s comforting to know there are other incredible women out there who have had similar stories. I have a personal story that I would like to sharet. I’m hoping it will be helpful for those who are on a similar journey. This journey can certainly feel very lonely. My husband and I got pregnant right away and didn’t even realize I had a septum until I was 22 weeks pregnant. At the time my doctor didn’t seem too concerned about it. I did however, have a rough pregnancy with bleeding at 13 weeks, bed rest, preterm labor at 34 weeks and eventually an emergency c-section at 36 weeks. My miracle baby was 6lb.14 oz! She came out black and blue since she was wedged around my very large septum. She’s healthy and perfect and we are very aware of the miracle that we have been blessed with. It’s been a rough road trying to conceive baby #2. We tried for a year since my OB seemed to think that an embryo would implant on the same side as my daughter did. I was late a couple of times but my hunch was telling me my septum was in the way. I followed up with a fertility specialist who said that my uterine septum was one of the largest he’s ever seen. During my first procedure, he was conservative (to say the least) and said he removed 90%. We tried for three months post surgery unsuccessfully and eventually went through two rounds of IVF with this same doctor. IVF was recommended by him since he identified our case as “secondary unexplained infertility”. We had one healthy embryo after the second IVF. We were so excited to start our journey. When I went for the pregnancy blood test post transfer, it was negative. The doctor was floored and assumed it might be the remaining septate or an auto immune disease. After several blood tests and 3 more opinions from other specialists, we come to find out that I do not have an auto immune disease, my ovarian reserve is normal, tubes clear, husband clear, everything checked out fine and the likely cause of the failed IVF pregnancy was the 4cm septum, which was covering 70% of my uterine cavity. All three doctors said the septum needed to be removed to make room for implantation. I just had my second uterine septum resection three weeks ago (one year after my first surgery). My new specialist will perform another diagnostic histeroscopy in a couple of weeks to ensure that he removed all of not almost all of the septum. He says that is the most important step…to examine the uterus post surgery to “prove cure”. It can also be done via HSG and ultrasound. This is standard procedure, which was never done by my original reproductive endocrinologist. My advice to all women who have septums is to follow your gut always and get more than one opinion. Be your own advocate for your health. The road we have been on has been emotionally painful hard on my body physically and very hard on our bank account. We never lose sight of our rainbow baby and hope we can move on from this with positive outcomes. I would love to discuss this with anyone who needs advice. I’m looking for a support system too since I don’t know anyone personally who can relate in the slightest. Baby dust to all!
Amazing!!
I had a healthy first pregnancy. Delivered a 7lb 3oz girl (on my due date) followed by a miscarriage 2 years later at 9-10 weeks. I went on to have a 9lb 5oz son the following year. Then 2 years after that I had my 3rd baby at 37 weeks she was 6lb 12oz. All 3 were such easy pregnancies. So much so that I’d brag about how much I loved when I was pregnant. Then in 2012 I got pregnant. This time our baby was breech. I went to a high risk OB for this pregnancy. I had several “Braxton Hicks” contractions leading up to delivery and I was very uncomfortable all the time. His head was up by my rib cage. So at 35 weeks my Dr. performed a version to turn the baby. He said he never had one baby flip back in his 25+ years of being an OB. Needless to say, my lil guy flipped back before my Dr left the room. I thought I was just crazy and didn’t mention it. Exactly a week later I went in to labor but my cervix was only dilated to what the nurse referred to as a “wiggle finger”… The hospital did do an ultra sound and confirmed he was breech, but that since I was only 36 weeks along, they would not perform a c-section unless it was an emergency. We were told to go home and wait for my water to break I was so upset! I knew what labor felt like! I had been through it 3 times before and did not want to be sent home. They unhooked me from the machines and got the discharge papers ready which took about 30-40 minutes and in that time my contractions became so much stronger. I couldn’t even speak. So my husband said to the nurses that something changed and to please check me again. They refused!! Then nurse said that the baby wouldn’t be coming out on his own so wait it out at home… They gave me an ambien to take to help me sleep when we got home and said call them or come back when my water broke…. So my husband went to get the car and I went to meet him outside. In those 5 minutes I had 5 very strong contractions. We left the hospital and called my OB’s office immediately and got there in les than 10 minutes. .As soon as we arrived, he checked me and I was dilated to a 5. His office was connected to another hospital, so that’s where we were having the baby. My first c-section, I was so scared. It took a while for the Dr. to get him out and we noticed more and more Dr.’s and nurses were coming into the room. So to get to the point…. my son was stuck in the septum. There was a hole in the septum and his head and one arm were on one side and the rest of his body was on the other side. His arm was black and it took a while to get him cut out and it seemed like forever before they got him to breathe. Sorry for the long story but according to all of the Dr.’s involved they said he was a miracle and that we would have had a different outcome if it was not for my Dr. I had never found anyone else that actually had a similar situation as I had. Happy to have found this board. Also a heads up, I found out it can be hereditary. My oldest daughter found out today that she has the septum too and will get it removed before she is ready to start a family.
Hi, Did your Septum removal/hysteroscopy require an IUD during recovering and healing to prevent scar tissue? Thanks!
Hi Galilee,
My doctor didn’t offer that option, but she did place a balloon type catheter in my uterus for the first 3-4 days after my operation for the same sort of reasons. I hope that helps!
Good luck!
hi is subseptate uterus the same with having a septum?
Hello britney can i get your email address i wwnna discuss something
I found out earlier this year that I have a uterine septum. I have never been pregnant but met with a fertility specialist because I was having a hard time conceiving (unrelated to the septum). We discovered in an ultrasound that my septum is 1.6 cm long. You mentioned that you had a “large” septum so I am wondering if it was similar to mine or larger/smaller. I’m very nervous about a preterm birth but I am on a list for the surgery but it could take about a year until I have the surgery and I’m getting so impatient I am debating starting to TTC in the meantime.
My specialist told me that it’s considered a septum at 1.5cm. I have a 2cm septum and she recommended I have a resection and encouraged my husband and I to hold off on TTC until it is taken care of because of the risk of miscarriage. I was told that even if I don’t miscarry (again) there’s a risk of intrauterine growth restriction and breech presentation and preterm labor.
Hello Ladies!
I have already loss 5 pregnancies and it was already late discovered that i had a septum last year March 24, 2017 I had my septum resection and just last week August 16, 2018 I wonder that my period doesn’t arrived then, when I was able to test and it resulted to a positive one. I’m full of hope reading your great stories here. I’m hoping that this pregnancy will be successful. I am now 5 weeks pregnant.!
Hello, I have just read your post since I have the same case I lost pregnancy 5 times and my doc cut for me the septum just last week. Is your Pregnancy going normal this time? All my hope for you
Hi Rachna,
I have the same problem. I want to know. is your surgery is done if yes then in which hospital and doctor?
and after surgery do you have baby now? and are you facing any problem after surgery?
How much time does it take to recover?? I m planning for my surgery had two loses … i found my septum 1.1 cm first dr said its untreatable after second loses my dr is more concern now
Glad to have found this board. I am 35 weeks pregnant with a partial septum and was worried about possible complications during delivery. Looks like since I have made it this far I am in good shape! He is even measuring 2 weeks ahead (they have me get a growth scan once a month). This is my first pregnancy and the reason we found out I even had a septum is because I wasn’t as far along as I thought I was at the dating scan and they could see it. I realize I am blessed that we’ve made it this far! It was pretty scary in the beginning not knowing what would happen and knowing the risks. Thank you all for sharing over the years!
I’m glad I came across your testimony. I am going in for a mri because of what the doctor saw from my ultrasound pictures. I’m wondering to get surgery or medication to remove the partial sep. to increase my fertility. I also think my hormones play a part as well. I’m trying to make sure I don’t have too much estrogen because doctor said they may see fibroids. I am concerned and I’m wondering if I did anything wrong to have both or one of the two. I believe my time would come for children.
Update: I have paused on family planning. My obgyn went through different surgeons for more information and advice and is considering surgery after weighing the benefits over risks. The likelihood of getting pregnant and having miscarriage is high with U.S but hormones imbalance and regular periods is another thing to consider too when trying to getting pregnant because of ovulation timing. I believe some have been successful with implantation and full term pregnancies because of timing. I heard that the US surgery is really a procedure that it is quick and it is not too invasive. The only thing is if you will have scarring afterwards and would it interfere with family planning. I want to have hope to not have it but how about this is a blessing in disguise? I never knew until I went to check it out and I’m glad I didn’t wait too long. Most people with US were born that way. I say weigh the pros and cons and pray to God and have hope.
Hi Everyone,
In 2016 my husband and I were expecting our first child through IVF. We were so excited and our RE was just as surprised that our first embryo transfer was successful. I began spotting at around 2 months, but was reassured everything was fine by my RE. Since I was 40 years old I saw a specialist along with my OBGYN. After three months, I “graduated from my RE and was released to only my OBGYN and the specialist. I had a lot of back pain and even began experiencing incontinence. I let my OBGYN know and he said, it was normal. At 20 weeks, I began to bleed, no cramps or pain my dog was the one who alerted me. I ran to the restroom and yes I was bleeding bright red blood. I went to the ER, recommended by my OBGYN and there they said, “I was funneling.” I was released a day later, and instructed to go to another ER if it happened again. The next morning, I began bleeding and was admitted. I stayed in the hospital for a week in a half and we lost our daughter at 21 weeks. I had a fever of 103 and an infection. They induced my labor and I delivered my baby girl. The doctors attempted to resuscitate, but her lungs weren’t developed.
Fast forward to 2019, I began to look into IVF again, and this is when my new doctor wanted to know why I had this loss. It’s abnormal and he said, it should had been looked at further along with my history of other losses when I was younger. Well, I had an MRI and there it was discovered I had a septum.
My new OBGYN doctor referred me to a specialist and there he confirmed this is what caused my loss at 21 weeks. He said, it was visible in an ultrasound or an HSG test. Why any other of my other doctors failed to see it, is quite troublesome. Yesterday, I just had uterine septum resection hysteroscopic surgery and am covering at home. I was also put on estradriol to help my uterus heal.
Well, it turns out my sister also had this same procedure and it looks like it may be hereditary. Why so many of us have had doctors overlooks this just boggles my mind. Our journey, to have child is been long and hard. Now, I’m 44 and am praying and hoping I have an egg or two to create a biological child with my husband. If not, I’m lucky he is open to a donor egg. I wanted to share my journey because I feel let down. Not one of my doctors mentioned this septum. I do wonder though if a statement made by first RE “you’ll only make it to seven months” is a clue that he saw the septum. And why he was surprised that I did get pregnant with my first transfer.
Hi hun. I’m in a similar situation. I had a MC three years ago and was misdiagnosed by my doctor. She said my uterus was bicornuate and didn’t cause my MC. Fast forward to now I saw a RE who did two surgeries on my uterus to remove the septum. Did a few rounds of IUI and IVF(5 total together) finally get pregnant only to mc again. Doc thinks I may need a THIRD surgery on my uterus. It has been over a year since the septum was removed so I think part of it grew back while ttc
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I’m not sure if this thread is ongoing, but I figured I would post just in case.
Has anyone ever been told they have a septate uterus through an abdominal ultrasound? I found out I have either a full or partial (sub septate) uterus through a pelvic ultrasound… but the size of it was never verified.
I am 27 weeks pregnant and am only feeling baby move on my left side, which is leading me to think that if it is a full septum, he is on the left side of it. Just wondering if anyone else noticed movement and kicking on one side only? And if/when they were able to deliver successfully?
Also- thank god for women like you all. I can’t get any care or concern from even the “best specialists out there”. This thread has been extremely helpful.
Hi Haylei,
My septate uterus was discovered through abdonimal ultrasound with my first baby at 12 weeks. I went in for my second appt. and they could not hear the heartbeat. We did abdominal ultrasound and the tech said ‘oh your uterus is tipped backwards and is heart shaped… that’s why we couldn’t find the heartbeat on the doppler.’
Hope that helps. I’ll share my full story below.
This is way past your due date now, but I also had a very one sided pregnancy. I have a large septum (Unknown’s during pregnancy) and It felt like he was diagonal with feet up under my left ribs and head down. I had kicking under my left ribs from very early on But nothing in the right. my son was born with positional deformities where his feet were crammed together and his neck/head at a funny angle. These are treatable things but it is not fun to deal with. I hope everything went well for you
Thank you for sharing your stories. I found out Today (finally) that I too have a septum. I’ve had 4 mc’s over the last 3 years. d&c’s for each and not one doctor believed it was caused by the septum. In fact, they’ve all called it different things – heart shaped, T-shaped, bi-cornuate, etc. I asked so many times, miss after miss if it had to do with my uterus. Only after 4 did they (IVF specialist) finally recommend a MRI, which finally confirmed what it was. They are recommending surgery in 3 or 4 week.s. Of course, I’m beating myself up for not advocating for myself and pushing for testing. It’s a relief to know what is going on but certainly heartbreaking to think what could have been. I will likely proceed with the surgery but not sure what to do from there. My husband and I are both 38 and emotionally exhausted. We’ll see but wanted to share in case this can help others. Thank you again for sharing your own stories! xo
Hii Britanny shives.. Thanku for sharing ur story…my ques is how much your septum left after hystroscopy .. Plz reply I also done hystroscopy but septum is not proper remove bcoz my myometrail line… Dr said to me
Oh my gosh. I have been searching and searching everywhere for anyone who has the same issue as me. I was diagnosed with arcuate after early miscarriage. Did anyone have bleeding issues or “irregular period” prior to resection? I had resection last October and I always seem to start spotting after ovulation. We tried progesterone and that didn’t help. Now, I think I may be pregnant but I’m spotting and a little crampy. I didn’t know if anyone has had the same symptoms. Thank you everyone for sharing. It has been a very lonely and frustrating surgery so far.
Journey*
Hi Ladies! I wanted to share my story with you all as well. My husband and I became pregnant in Nov 2017 the first month we tried. We lost the baby on 12/24 (about 7 weeks pregnant) and found out I had either a uterine septum or a bicornuate uterus. An MRI revealed I had a septum and my OBGYN referred me to a fertility specialist to remove it as it was considered “substantial.” I had the surgery (hysteroscopy) in Feb 2018 and the surgery and recovery process was fine, the most uncomfortable part was the uterine balloon I had for about a week after to prevent scarring (I also took hormones for a few weeks). I went in for an ultrasound after I finished all of my hormones and the surgeon said there might be a residual septum and I would need a second hysteroscopy to confirm. I went in for the second procedure in Apr 2018 and when I woke up she told my husband and me that she was happy with the outcome and didn’t need to remove anything else, that I just had an “odd-shaped” uterus but that she removed as much of the septum as she could without cutting into my healthy uterine lining the first time. We decided to take a few months off from trying because we were over doctor visits and medical bills and wanted to get back to normal. We decided to try again in Aug 2018 and once again became pregnant the first month we tried but unfortunately had another miscarriage at about 5.5 weeks. We chalked this one up to “chromosomal abnormalities” as we knew my septum issue had been resolved. We started trying again in October and became frustrated that we weren’t getting pregnant immediately as we were so used to that outcome. In Jan of 2019, we saw a different fertility doctor that came highly recommended. He had me do an HSG and an ultrasound and confirmed that I “still” had a septum. I think I was in denial because at this point I’d already had 1 procedure to remove it and another to confirm it was gone and couldn’t accept that I might need to have a third surgery. We tried for a few more months on our own and even did a round of IUI before we decided it was time to bite the bullet and get the third surgery done with the new doctor. I had it scheduled for mid-June, but found out I was pregnant on June 1st! We were shocked because it was the first month we didn’t actively try and thought we had a failed IUI (I never got a positive ovulation surge). They put me on progesterone as my numbers dipped at about 5 weeks pregnant. We went in at 7 weeks for our first ultrasound and they didn’t hear a heartbeat and at 8 weeks confirmed I had a miscarriage. I had a D&C early July and the follow-up testing on the fetus revealed there weren’t any chromosomal abnormalities. At this point I knew in my heart it had to be the septum because we had done every possible test we could and everything else had come back great. I had to wait for my HCG levels to go down before I could schedule the surgery. We ended up getting it done September 2019. The main difference with this surgeon is that he said I would need a hysteroscopy and a laparoscopy. He said it wouldn’t do any good just to see the inside of my uterus, he would need to see the outside in order to know how aggressive he could be with the septum removal, something the first doctor never did. The surgery went great, he removed the septum, a benign polyp and even a little bit of endometriosis I didn’t know I had. I kept the uterine balloon in for about 2 weeks and was on hormones for a month. He told me I could start trying again as soon as my first period returned which it did in November. We found out we were pregnant the day after Christmas! My progesterone levels did drop again with this pregnancy, so they put me on suppositories through my first trimester. I’ll be 22 weeks pregnant with our miracle boy on Thursday and truly think had I not gotten the 3rd procedure I’d continue to have these recurrent miscarriages. I am so grateful to our fertility doctor and his team for everything they did to ensure I had the best chance possible of carrying my own child to term. I know this is a ton of info, I’m an open book so please reach out should you have any questions!
Wow Courtney what a wonderful story-congratulations on the pregnancy-can you email me by chance? My email address is s.malik1892@gmail.com-I had a few questions and think it may be easier to exchange emails-
Thanks!
Hi! I remember reading this thread when I was first diagnosed with a septum but thought I would follow up with my story – this really is one of the best resources out there for uterine septum.
I had no problems getting pregnant the first time – was told at 12 weeks I had a tilted heart shaped uterus via abdominal ultrasound by the tech – I honestly thought nothing of it. Baby was born February 2017. I did carry full term (38w+3) but day before labor baby turned breech (maybe this was why? idk?) and had a C-Section.
Started trying August 2018 for Baby #2. Got pregnant right away – Lost baby at 5w4d. Kept Trying and began fertility testing with RE July 2019. Turns out via hsg and 3D ultrasound I was diagnosed with a septum in my uterus. 1.5cm. Barely anything but RE said this ‘could’ be causing our infertility. Thought my right tube might be blocked too.
The RE we were seeing specialized in uterine septum removal and explained laproscopy and hysteroscopy surgery were required to fix septum and check out right tube. I had surgery January 2020. The reason for both laproscopy and hysteroscopy is for them to insert the camera laparoscopic and then fix the uterus through the hysteroscopy – for those of you whose doctors do not bring this up- be an advocate for your own surgery – there are plenty of good resources out there that explain this surgery in detail.
Doctor said he removed septum and that my right tube was open – go figure – who knows about that one. Since the septum wasn’t that large he diagnosed me with ‘unexplained infertility’. Went home heartbroken not knowing what to think.
Was scheduled for a follow up uterune saline 3D sonogram in March to be sure septum was fully removed – well we got pregnant first try after surgery in February!
I’m currently 12 weeks pregnant. I did have a subchorionic hemorrhage at 5.5 weeks (maybe from uterus still healing from surgery?) but otherwise have had completely normal pregnancy. I’ll try and come back and update this after baby is born… but please know this surgery CAN fix fertility issues even if the septum is small. Good luck to all of you!
Last year I had a stillborn daughter at 35 weeks. The doctors never knew what happened besides that the placenta wasn’t healthy and she was small. Now I’m 28 weeks pregnant with a son and they’ve noticed a septum in my uterus. Doctors can’t tell how deep it is because my uterus is stretched out. They can’t tell me for sure if the septum caused my stillbirth because it usually results in earlier losses. My son is growing ahead of schedule and placenta looks good. Doctor’s only concern currently is preterm labor due to the septum. Has anyone heard of a septum causing a third trimester loss? I wonder if the placenta grew up onto the septum and didn’t get sufficient blood flow. I just don’t know.
I was diagnosed with a uterine septum in February after an ultrasound to investigate abnormal bleeding. Nothing was found to explain the abnormal bleeding and fortunately it went away, so the theory is the bleeding was breakthrough associated with birth control. I’ve never been pregnant, am newly married, and my husband and I are not currently trying to conceive but plan to start trying in about a year.
After the first ultrasound results indicated a septum, my OBGYN discussed what a septum was and explained possible impacts on fertility/pregnancy and mentioned surgery was an option in some cases.
She ordered a second 3D utrasound to rule out a bicornuate uterus and to measure the septum, which turned out to be quite thick at the top (1.83cm) and tapered down nearly the entire length of my uterus (2.05 cm). After this, she advised having the septum removed before TTC. She said my case was more complicated than removals she typically performs and referred me to a specialist surgeon. I had a video consult with the surgeon just as COVID shutdowns started so all of this was put on the back burner for a couple months. However, I just found out the surgeons practice is resuming elective surgeries.. so here I am resuming my internet research.
I feel incredibly lucky to know about my diagnosis before TTC, but it’s also been difficult to find stories similar to mine. I haven’t found stories online of women making this decision with zero fertility experience. I’m not trying to get pregnant now, but should I be seeing a fertility specialist before making a decision on surgery? Would there be a different perspective than that of my OBGYN/surgeon?
Based on conversations with the OBGYN and surgeon, I got the impression surgery was my only option. But now I’m online and seeing many women are able to get and maintain pregnancies despite a septum. I wonder if it’s a bad idea to have the surgery when I haven’t even TTC and don’t have a history of complications. There are risks with any surgery and it feels odd to elect to have it under the assumption of possible future complications. Who knows, maybe I can get pregnant with no issues. But I’m also scared of giving it a go without surgery and experiencing miscarriage or pregnancy complications…
I recently went through this. My baby boy died though 7 days after birth because he developed a disease called NEC (necrotizing enterocolotis) and the doctors discovered it too soon. They discovered I have a septum after I delivered my son but failed to tell me until my 6 week postpartum check up. So now I am looking into having the surgery, but with a different hospital because that one has honestly pissed me off. Between the death of my son and the failure to diagnose me early on caused my unfortunate loss. During my pregnancy I bled constantly and went into labor at 28 weeks. At 18 weeks there was a scare I could go into labor but he held on. The doctors discovered through u/s that I had a placenta previa but they didn’t know about the septum at the time. Luckily my son came out naturally and no complications. He was born with a good heart rate and good lungs.
I came across this blog and feel bit at ease reading it. I’m going through something very similar where been told got bicornue uterus and now they believe be septum. I’m booked for surgery after 2 miscarriages. Am I able to contact you further questions?
Thank you to everyone for sharing. I am considering a resection so this has been a very valuable resource. Whilst I can’t contribute to discussion of the operation, I thought I would share my pregnancy story.
In sum: Subseptate uterus, uneventful pregnancy, one preterm live birth, son born with positional deformities,
I have a subseptate uterus: septum in the uterus only but not septum of cervix and not bicornate (no curvature of the external surface of the fundus). The septum is half the length of my uterus (so probably approx 4-5cm).
This was unknown until pregnancy. An anomaly was first identified before the 20 week anatomy scan – at the time it was thought to be either a uterine anomaly or an amniotic band. It was confirmed as a septum via internal ultrasound scan 2month postpartum.
My son was born at 35+5 in a very quick labour. He was head down from at least 30weeks (luckily, given the space restriction) but his head was facing to the side, rather than in line with his body and He had the chord around his neck. So there were some attempts at manipulation during labour to deal with these issues but in the end we just got him out quick smart and it was all ok.
He was a very good size for his age (2.7kg) and had only one night in NICU, but we were in hospital for 6days for weight gain, help with temp regulation and jaundice treatment.
He was born with torticollis, sternocleidomastoid tumour and positional talipes (all of which now assumed to be due to positioning / constriction in utero and perhaps some trauma from birth). These are treatable problems (mostly through physiotherapy and some orthopaedic casting).
It was odd during The pregnancy (prior to knowing I had a septum) because he was all on one side so very little movement was noticed on the other and my belly was very asymmetric.
I don’t know how much it has affected fertility. I got pregnant within 9months of coming off contraception. But 8 months of that I wasn’t really trying or thinking about ovulation timings at all. on the first month I tracked ovulation and timed it accordingly, I got pregnant. I did have a very early miscarriage in the first month. So it could all just have been blind luck. Who knows.
Now we are weighing the risks of surgery vs risks of inaction for future pregnancy.