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Tilted Uterus During Pregnancy

If you have a tilted uterus, there are some things you need to know while you're pregnant. Find out how a tilted uterus will affect your pregnancy and baby.

What is a tilted uterus during pregnancy?

The uterus is normally in a straight, vertical position. A tilted uterus (aka tipped uterus) is when your uterus tilts toward the back of your pelvis.

What are the signs of a tilted uterus during pregnancy?

If you have a tilted uterus, you might have some back pain or pain during sex. Also, you might experience a bit of urine leaking or urinary tract infections. Before pregnancy, you may have had pains during your period (dysmenorrhea) and difficulty using tampons.

Are there any tests for a tilted uterus?

Your doctor can perform a routine pelvic exam to check for a tilted uterus.

How common is a tilted uterus?

Having a tilted uterus is pretty common -- about 20 percent of women have one.

How did I get a tilted uterus?

As your body developed, your uterus may not have moved forward. Childbirth also can move the uterus because it can cause the ligaments that hold the uterus to stretch, making it move (it should move back to its previous position in most cases). Scarring from endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause your uterus to tilt.

How will a tilted uterus affect my baby?

Pregnancy may actually cause your uterus to move forward (and become un-tilted). By weeks 10 to 12 of your pregnancy, your uterus may no longer be tilted backward. Don’t worry -- the movement of the uterus will not make your pregnancy or delivery difficult. If your uterus doesn’t move forward, you may be at a higher risk for a miscarriage -- but that rarely happens.

What’s the best way to treat a tilted uterus during pregnancy?

Since your uterus will move during pregnancy, you won’t need to treat it. If you aren’t pregnant, your doctor may recommend surgery to move your uterus forward. You can also do a knee-chest exercise that can temporarily reposition your uterus. In addition, a pessary, which is a plastic or silicone device that’s placed in your vagina, can temporarily move your uterus.

-- Sarah Yang


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