14 weeks
Being pregnant is such an exciting time. But for some of us, it’s also scary. When I was pregnant with my daughter Hannah, it was hard to believe we were actually going to be parents until the moment she was out, laying on my chest. (That was an awesome moment by the way)
We had 2 miscarriages before we were pregnant with her. I believe the combination of a fertility specialist and acupuncture helped us start the family we always wanted. I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, Factor 5 Leiden, MTHFR, a blocked fallopian tube, and polyps (fortunately non-cancerous) covering my uteri – I’ll get to that one in a minute. My doctor said it was a miracle I was getting pregnant in the first place. The polyps were likely causing the miscarriages… as there were maybe 2 places for an egg to successfully implant. Surgery corrected the problems and I was put on medication.
Within 2 months of getting the green light, we were pregnant. I was lucky. It’s for these reasons why I choose to remain quiet about my pregnancies through the first trimester, even if I start to show. Miscarrying is HORRIBLE, and the only people we feel comfortable talking about it with are our friends and family.
That being said I’m at risk for also miscarrying during my second and third trimesters. Yes, you read correctly earlier… I wrote “uteri”. I have Uterus Didelphys. It’s a rare uterine anomaly that you typically will hear about in the news when a woman gives birth to twins… one from each uterus. I have the most extreme case of Uterus Didelphys that exists… two uteri, two cervixes, two vaginas.
I was diagnosed when I was 15, felt like a freak and was scared.
Every uterine anomaly is different, so until you go through one pregnancy, it’s really unclear how your body will handle it. There are problems to watch out for, including giving birth early. In my case, my right uterus is slightly bigger than my left. Both are about half the size of a normal one. With Hannah, I had to get a cerclage at 19 weeks, water broke at 38 weeks and she came in weighing 5 lbs. 10.5 oz… So I’m monitored closely.
It has been a long process learning about this condition over the years. And finding doctors who are well-versed in it is not easy. In 2007 I was once again on my own, in a new city (Denver, CO) and needed to find new physicians. My cousin (now an OBGYN resident in Chicago), asked around to her professors if they knew anyone or place that could knowledgeably treat me. Their response was unanimous… go to the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. They specialize in uterine anomalies and high risk pregnancies.
Not only were these doctors able to help me diagnose my early problems, but they really made me feel like they were going to get me and my baby safely through my pregnancy.
This time is no different. And this time I’ve decided to share my journey. It may be scary at times, but that’s reality. And I think it’s important for people to know that being pregnant isn’t always easy. It’s scary to share something so personal, but if it helps just one other person… perhaps another 15 year old who is just finding out she has the same thing… then it’s worth it.
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