Pregnancy With Fibroids-Can Fibroids Cause Miscarriage?
The journey of pregnancy is filled with happiness, excitement, and, sometimes, concerns.
It’s not uncommon for expectant mothers to discover preexisting conditions during prenatal care that may raise questions and uncertainties about their journey ahead.
Among these conditions, uterine Fibroids, though common, can spark worries about their potential impact on the pregnancy, including the risk of miscarriage.
According to a 2022 study in NCBI, Fibroids are reported in 0.1% to 10.7% of pregnant women.
This article will examine the link between Fibroids and miscarriage through the question, “Can Fibroids cause miscarriage?”
The relationship between Fibroids and miscarriage
The question on many minds is whether Fibroids can lead to miscarriage.
The answer has been that their presence can sometimes contribute to complications that may increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
Studies have shown that pregnant women with Fibroids have significantly higher rates of spontaneous miscarriage compared to those without Fibroids.
The evidence indicates that approximately 14% of pregnancies in women with Fibroids end in miscarriage,
compared to 7.6% in women without Fibroids.
Fibroids are also hypothesized to cause weight gain. To know whether this is true, read Fibroids Discharge: Appearance, Causes, and Management.
The role of Fibroid size and location
Interestingly, the Fibroid size does not seem to be the primary determinant of miscarriage risk.
Instead, the presence of multiple Fibroids may elevate the risk further.
Women with multiple Fibroids have been found to experience a higher rate of miscarriage compared to those with a single Fibroid.
Additionally, the location of the Fibroid within the uterus plays a role.
Fibroids located in the uterine corpus are associated with an increased risk of early miscarriage than the lower uterine.
Mechanisms underlying Fibroid-related miscarriage
The mechanisms underlying how Fibroids contribute to miscarriage are not entirely clear, but several factors have been implicated.
- Increased uterine irritability, possibly due to the presence of Fibroids, could disrupt the normal progression of pregnancy, leading to miscarriage
- Additionally, Fibroids may exert a compressive effect on the uterus, potentially interfering with the implantation and development of the embryo
- Moreover, Fibroids might compromise the blood supply to the developing placenta and fetus, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy
Early pregnancy complications
In early pregnancy, bleeding is another potential complication associated with Fibroids.
The proximity of the placenta to a Fibroid increases the risk of bleeding, which can further heighten the risk of miscarriage.
It is important to monitor pregnant women with Fibroids closely and address any bleeding episodes promptly to minimize adverse outcomes.
Contrary belief
A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology challenges this conventional belief that the presence of Fibroid tumors in the uterus can elevate the risk of miscarriage.
The study found that contrary to prevailing beliefs, women with Fibroid tumors did not exhibit an increased risk of miscarriage compared to those without Fibroids.
Implications and recommendations
For years, women with Fibroids have often been advised to undergo surgery before attempting to conceive, especially if they have a history of miscarriage.
However, based on the results of this study, such recommendations may have to be reexamined.
Conclusion
The relationship between uterine Fibroids and miscarriage remains a topic of significant interest and ongoing research within the medical community.
While historically, it has been believed that Fibroids may increase the risk of miscarriage, recent studies have challenged this assumption.
Although some evidence suggests that the presence of Fibroids, particularly multiple, may contribute to miscarriage.
Other research indicates no significant association between Fibroids and pregnancy loss.
Healthcare providers should closely monitor expectant mothers diagnosed with Fibroids and address any potential complications promptly.
Fibroids and their impact on pregnancy continue to evolve, so it is essential to remain open to new evidence and adjust clinical practices accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fibroids be removed during pregnancy?
Fibroids can sometimes be removed during pregnancy, but this decision depends on various factors such as the size and location and the stage of pregnancy. In general, surgical intervention for Fibroids during pregnancy is rare and typically reserved for severe complications such as significant pain, bleeding, or obstructing labor.
At what stage can Fibroid cause miscarriage?
Fibroids can potentially cause miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. Still, they are more likely to be concerned during the first trimester. If a Fibroid is located near the cervix, it may interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg or disrupt the development of the embryo, causing miscarriage.
Can Fibroids go away on their own?
In some cases, small Fibroids may shrink or disappear on their own, especially after Menopause when hormone levels decline. However, this is not guaranteed for all Fibroids, and the likelihood of spontaneous regression depends on factors such as the size, location, and hormonal activity of the Fibroids.
Do Fibroids go away after miscarriage?
Fibroids can remain unchanged after a miscarriage, as the presence of Fibroids is generally unrelated to the occurrence of miscarriage. However, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and miscarriage can sometimes affect the size or symptoms of Fibroids. In some cases, Fibroids size might decrease after miscarriage.
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