Aetiology: Womb Structure

Aetiology: Womb Structure

There are many different structures of uteri that can become a barrier to women who want a baby. Miscarriages can be a result of structural problems of the uterus because the uterus may interfere with the implantation of a fertilised egg (Resolve, 2015). An abnormal uterus poses a risk of miscarriage or, in some cases, recurrent miscarriages. An abnormal uterus structure can cause a woman to have a weak cervix; hence a miscarriage is the most likely result of the pregnancy (Danielsson, 2014).

There are 4 main types of uteri structure that can induce a miscarriage.

Unicornuate Uterus

Smaller than a normal uterus, the unicornuate uterus only has one functioning fallopian tube, increasing the risk of a miscarriage

A study has discovered that the primary risk associated with this type of uterus is cervical insufficiency, which in result could cause a second-trimester miscarriage (Danielsson, 2014). However, miscarriages due to this uterus structure are uncommon as most pregnant women with this type of uterus are more likely to go into preterm labour (Danielsson, 2014). It is estimated than less than 1 in 200 women has this type of uterus (Y.Y. Chan, 2011).

Septate Uterus

Also known as a uterine septum, this is the most common type of congenital uterine malformation, whereby every 1 in 45 women is affected (Danielsson, 2014) (Y.Y. Chan, 2011). This type of uterus is divided by a septum; its extent can range from part of the way to or all the way to the cervix, therefore a woman can either have a partial/complete septate uterus. However, in most circumstances a woman who has a uterine septum will have a partial one (babycentre, 2013). A septate uterus can increase the risk of a miscarriage and can also contribute to one of the causes of a recurrent miscarriage because typically a septum does not have an adequate blood supply, so if an egg were to implant on the septum a placenta would not develop and access nutrients properly (Danielsson,