Nebraska Mom with Rare Double Uterus Gave Birth to Twins at 22 Weeks

Megan Phipps, a 24-year-old mom from Nebraska, felt something was odd about her pregnancy compared to her previous experiences so she went to the doctor for a check-up and was told she was having twins. She was also carrying the babies in her double uterus.

The mom told People that she was aware of her rare genetic condition, which is medically termed as uterine didelphys. She said that doctors told her that her left uterus was not active since she had two successful pregnancies on her right uterus.

But her third pregnancy was different because Phipps carried her babies on her right and left uterus. This placed her and her babies at high risk and she was told by her doctors that they could have just one percent of living.

Read Also: Two Families in the Same Town Welcomed Miracle Quadruplets 11 Days Apart

Uterine Didelphys Defined

Per WebMD, a lot of women are not aware of their reproductive system's genetic abnormality until they have a pelvic examination or an ultrasound. In some cases, the issue might arise of the woman experiences heavy and uncontrollable bleeding during their monthly cycle.

Women who have a double uterus have double vaginas as well and these developed when they were inside their mother's womb. Experts still do not know what causes the abnormality. However, most women with this condition can grow up to have normal sex lives or pregnancies but some may require extensive surgery to prevent pregnancy losses.

Uterine didelphys raises the risks of pregnancy complications, which is what happened to Phipps and her twins. At 22 weeks, the pregnant mom had to undergo an emergency delivery because she experienced preterm labor. Doctors tried to slow down the process but the babies were ready to come out.

Phipps gave birth to her twin girls on Saturday, June 12, at the Bryan Health hospital. Riley was delivered first and then Reece. However, Riley could not survive after 12 days due to the complications of her premature birth. The babies weren't due until October.

Reece, on the other hand, fought for her life at the NICU and was under the ventilator for 45 days. After 144 days at the hospital, Reece was discharged as a healthy baby growing at eight pounds and five ounces. Her twin sister's ashes were by her hospital bedside the whole time and it's now on top of Reece's crib at home.

'A True Miracle'

NICU nurse Kallie Gertsch said that Reece's survival was a true miracle. She became the youngest baby to survive the NICU at Bryan Health. Speaking with ABC News, Dr. Mark Brisso said that this had been another evolution in improving the NICU services and expertise at the hospital.

Brisso and the NICU team counseled Phipps about the outcome of her delicate pregnancy prior to the deliveries. While she was given all the facts, the mother decided that she will give her babies the chance to live despite the one percent projection.

Phipps said she's sharing her story to inspire other moms not to give up since miracles can happen.

Related Article: Pennsylvania Mom in Her 50s Gives Birth to Twins Two Years Apart