In March 2021, Karen Troy, 25, was astonished to learn that she was expecting twins and that her uterus was hermaphroditic (heart-shaped). One in 500 million pregnancies result in a baby with a birth defect. It was only recently revealed that the mother of three already had a daughter who is now six years old. Prior to developing preeclampsia at 34 weeks, Karen’s pregnancy went without a hitch. However, her blood pressure skyrocketed, necessitating an urgent cesarean section. Ryan and Raelynn, her twins, were born on September 5, 2023, and spent 27 days in the hospital before being allowed to go home. They were 5lbs 10oz and 5lbs 1oz in weight.
In Northborough, Massachusetts, a stay-at-home mother named Karen stated, “I’m more concerned about having two children than a heart-shaped uterus.” Just checking in to see how they are. Karen went back for a second ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis that her uterus had abnormalities because at first she didn’t even believe the doctor. She recalled how emotionally charged it was when the kids showed up. I’m thrilled to have two little children but yet anxious about them, she continued. We couldn’t wait to get them home. She and her husband Shaunan, 24, ran a junk disposal business, so when they learned they were expecting twins at 12 weeks, they were taken aback.
They were even more concerned when they learned that Karen had a heart-shaped uterus, which only 4 out of 1,000 women had. It is quite uncommon to have twins and a “heart-shaped uterus,” according to Karen. I can recall becoming lost while scanning. I kept worrying about them. Due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, she made the decision to have another ultrasound to confirm that the first sonographer was correct and to be constantly followed. Raelynn was delivered at 9:46am, weighing 5lbs 1oz, and Ryan was born at 9:44am, weighing 5lbs 10z. The first 24 hours were very challenging for Karen, she reflects. To stop any preeclampsia-related seizures, I had to remain in a machine.
They were even more concerned when they learned that Karen had a heart-shaped uterus, which only 4 out of 1,000 women had. It is quite uncommon to have twins and a “heart-shaped uterus,” according to Karen. I can recall becoming lost while scanning. I kept worrying about them. Due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, she made the decision to have another ultrasound to confirm that the first sonographer was correct and to be constantly followed. Raelynn was delivered at 9:46am, weighing 5lbs 1oz, and Ryan was born at 9:44am, weighing 5lbs 10z. The first 24 hours were very challenging for Karen, she reflects. To stop any preeclampsia-related seizures, I had to remain in a machine.
The mother believes the reason her heart-shaped uterus was missed in her first pregnancy is because it’s so rare – and it’s not always obvious on a CT scan. Contrary to all expectations, the family is currently enjoying their new additions.
I’m just glad they’re healthy,’ added Karen.
