In an extraordinary medical achievement, a woman from northwest China has successfully given birth to twins, each from a separate uterus. This remarkable event took place in September, showcasing the rare condition known as uterus didelphys.
Rare condition
The woman, whose identity remains confidential, was born with two fully formed uteruses, a condition found in only 0.3% of women worldwide. According to China National Radio, both uteruses included oviducts and ovaries, highlighting the rarity and complexity of her situation.
Medical breakthrough
Despite the challenges associated with uterus didelphys, including high risks of miscarriage and premature birth, the woman delivered a healthy boy and girl in Shaanxi province at eight and a half months. “Being pregnant in each of the two uteruses through natural conception is very rare,” commented Cai Ying, a senior obstetrician involved in the case. “It’s even rarer that a woman with this condition would successfully give birth after 37 weeks,” she added, describing it as a “one in a million” phenomenon.
Challenges and success
Women with two uteruses often face significant pregnancy risks. The mother had previously suffered a miscarriage at 27 weeks. However, after becoming pregnant in January, doctors devised a meticulous plan to ensure her safety. The twins were delivered via caesarean section, with the boy weighing 3.3 kg and the girl 2.4 kg. Both mother and children were discharged four days post-delivery.
The news sparked widespread interest and admiration. One online user remarked, “The babies lived a luxurious life inside their mother’s belly,” while another shared a personal connection, saying, “My colleague has two uteruses. She lost her baby three times before having a son. It was not easy for her!”
This extraordinary case not only highlights the complexities of medical science but also the resilience of the human body in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.