Is the chance of pregnancy with a uterine septum very low?

Jul 05, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chong Yiwen

Introduction

The pregnancy rate associated with a uterine septum is relatively low. Even with successful conception, there is a higher risk of complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, breech presentation, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction. The pregnancy rate among women with a uterine septum ranges from 17% to 35%. With advances in medical science, the pregnancy rate following surgical correction of a uterine septum has increased to approximately 48%.

Uterine septum is one of the important causes of female infertility, thus the chances of pregnancy are relatively low. The pregnancy rate associated with uterine septum ranges from 17% to 35%. With medical advancements, the pregnancy rate after surgical treatment for uterine septum reaches up to 48%. Details are as follows:

Uterine septum is commonly seen among women with uterine malformations and is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Uterine septum may lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, breech presentation, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, postpartum abnormal bleeding, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction.

Some women experience recurrent miscarriages due to uterine malformations, among which uterine septum accounts for the majority. Among women with repeated pregnancy loss, especially early pregnancy loss, the incidence of uterine septum is quite high.

Due to the complexity of uterine malformations, ectopic pregnancies often occur in the occluded cornua, rudimentary uterine horns, cervix, or vaginal diverticulum. Because of their rarity, pregnancies located in these unusual positions are often difficult to diagnose early.

The presence of a uterine septum can lead to uterine cavity deformation, thereby increasing the incidence of complications in late-term pregnancies. Uterine malformations can also cause obstetric complications such as abnormal fetal position, dysfunctional uterine contractions, and placental retention.

View All

Can a painless abortion be performed for a septate uterus?

Women with a uterine septum can undergo painless abortion. A uterine septum is a cause of female infertility or recurrent miscarriage. If a woman has this condition, she should choose an appropriate abortion procedure after becoming pregnant. The endometrium will sustain some damage after an abortion, so women are advised to abstain from sexual activity during this period.

View Full Answer

Risks of Uterine Septum

The harm caused by a septate uterus includes: due to the presence of this uterine abnormality, women may experience recurrent miscarriages. The septum within the uterus can lead to insufficient blood supply to the placenta, resulting in poor fetal development. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, particularly tubal pregnancy. When the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it tends to implant on the protruding areas within the uterine cavity, preventing normal implantation and ultimately leading to infertility associated with a septate uterus.

View Full Answer

What should I do if a uterine septum is detected?

The solutions for uterine septum include cold scissors division under hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, hysteroscopic cold instrumentation, and plasma needle treatment. The cold scissors division technique under hysteroscopy and laparoscopy involves minimal bleeding, causes less trauma, results in a shorter recovery time, and is less likely to cause adhesions. For larger septa, complete correction in a single procedure is not required, and multiple surgeries may be performed.

View Full Answer

What does abnormal fetal position mean?

Abnormal fetal position refers to a situation where the position of the fetus within the uterus does not conform to the normal presentation for delivery. The normal fetal position is cephalic presentation, meaning the fetal head is downward with the occiput near the anterior part of the maternal pelvis. Abnormal fetal positions include breech presentation, transverse lie, oblique lie, and others. Abnormal fetal positioning may occur due to uterine developmental abnormalities, such as uterine malformations or uterine septum, which affect the fetus's normal movement within the uterus.