What is a bicornuate uterus?

What is a bicornuate uterus?

If you have a bicornuate uterus it means your uterus appears heart-shaped instead of round. A typical uterus is shaped like an upside-down pear. The wide, round part of the pear most resembles the top portion of the uterus (called the fundus). If your uterus is bicornuate, the top of your uterus dips inward at the middle, making it look like a heart. It’s commonly referred to as a heart-shaped uterus.

The uterus is one hollow cavity and is made to expand to accommodate a growing baby during pregnancy. If you have a bicornuate uterus, the top of your uterus is separated by a piece of tissue. Depending on the degree of separation, this can cause problems during pregnancy because your uterus may not be able to fully expand.

A bicornuate uterus is a congenital condition, which means it formed this way before you were born. A bicornuate uterus is usually not a cause for concern. For people who become pregnant with a bicornuate uterus, there is an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Most people won’t be aware they have a bicornuate uterus because they usually don’t have symptoms. Some people do experience painful periods or repeat miscarriages.