Fibroids and Pregnancy: Balancing Maternal Health and Fetal Well-being
Fibroids, also called Uterine Leiomyomas, are growths that can develop inside the uterus, on its outer surface, or within its wall.
As per the data published by The National Library of Medicine, fibroids affect 35 to 77% of reproductive-aged females.
They may differ in size, ranging from small, undetectable nodules to large masses that distort the shape of the uterus.
This can complicate pregnancy. It can impact fertility depending on their size, number, and location within the uterus.
With proper medical management and support, many women with fibroids can conceive and have successful pregnancies.
In this article, we will discuss how fibroids can affect pregnancy and provide some management tips.
The impact of fibroids on pregnancy
Fibroids and pregnancy can be a concern as they may complicate the fertility process.
They can block the tubes where the egg and sperm travel, making it less friendly for a baby to grow.
Jessica Shields, who is a Doctor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, highlights that Diabetes and high blood pressure are generally common pregnancy concerns.
But, during checkups, she noticed 1% to 10% of women are found to have uterine fibroids.
It can cause several discomforting symptoms, such as painful bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
A study published by The National Library of Medicine shows how much fibroids really affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
They found that only about 11% of women with fibroids were able to get pregnant naturally, compared to 25% of women without fibroids.
But when they removed the fibroids, the number of women who could get pregnant naturally increased to 42%.
However, it’s important to note that fibroids don’t always affect fertility.
Many women still have successful pregnancies with fibroids.
It is the size, location, and number of fibroids that can affect pregnancy outcomes.
Therefore, close monitoring and management are essential to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy.
Fibroid pregnancy complications
While most women with fibroids have uncomplicated pregnancies, some may experience complications.
These complications can include:
Miscarriage
Submucosal fibroids (fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity) have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
Fibroids may interrupt the implantation of the fertilized egg or disrupt the normal development of the pregnancy.
Successful conception depends on the size and number of submucous fibroids.
If the size and number of fibroids is higher, there may be more chances of miscarriage.
Preterm labor
Fibroids may disrupt the shape of the uterus or cause it to expand unevenly. This can increase the risk of preterm labor and delivery.
As per the data published by The National Library of Medicine, pregnant women with fibroids have a higher chance of experiencing preterm labor compared to women without fibroids.
Placental abruption
In rare cases, fibroids may cause placenta abruption.
It is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely.
This can negatively affect pregnancy.
Delivery complications
Fibroids that happen near the cervix or within the uterine wall may obstruct the birth canal. This can make vaginal delivery difficult.
Women with large fibroids or multiple fibroids may be at higher risk of complications.
In these cases, women need assisted delivery techniques such as vacuum extraction.
Managing fibroids during pregnancy
Managing fibroids during pregnancy involves careful monitoring and addressing any symptoms or complications that may arise.
Here are some of the strategies you can follow:
Regular checkups
In many cases, fibroids do not require treatment during pregnancy. Simply monitoring their growth may be sufficient.
Regular prenatal care, including ultrasound examinations, can help monitor the growth of fibroids during pregnancy.
This allows healthcare providers to track any changes in size or symptoms and intervene if necessary.
Your doctor may prescribe Ibuprofen or Naproxen to relieve pain due to fibroids.
Are you experiencing fibroids-related pain?
Select an effective pain reliever from WowRx with a doctor’s consultation.
Preconception planning
Women with known fibroids who are planning to conceive should consult with their healthcare provider.
Preconception planning allows for assessing fibroid size, location, and potential impact on fertility.
Addressing any existing health conditions before conception can help alleviate the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Minimizing risks
Women with fibroids can take steps to minimize the risks associated with pregnancy.
Performing pelvic floor exercises, like Kegel exercises, may help strengthen the muscles surrounding the uterus and alleviate symptoms associated with fibroids.
Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of complications, such as placental abruption or preterm labor.
Maintaining a good lifestyle and managing stress can help reduce the risk of complications.
Open communication with doctors is essential for addressing any concerns or problems that may arise during pregnancy.
Also read: To find out the effective diet plan for fibroids, read our guide, 7 Foods For Shrinking Fibroids Effectively.
Conclusion
Fibroids can impact pregnancy outcomes.
However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t always affect fertility, and many women with fibroids can still have successful pregnancies with fibroids.
Fibroids can potentially lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, placental abruption, and labor and delivery complications.
Women can minimize these risks by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and performing pelvic floor exercises.
Close monitoring and management are essential for women during pregnancy.
Regular checkups can help track the growth of fibroids and detect any potential complications early.
Overall, with proper medical management and support, many women with fibroids can conceive and have successful pregnancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent fibroids from growing during pregnancy?
You can’t prevent fibroids from growing. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress, may help minimize the risk of fibroid growth. It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance and attend regular checkups to monitor the growth of fibroids and address any potential complications early.
Can you get pregnant with uterine fibroids?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with uterine fibroids. However, the presence of fibroids can sometimes affect fertility and elevate the risk of complications during pregnancy. The impact of fibroids on fertility depends on factors such as the size, location, and number of fibroids.
Can fibroids prevent pregnancy?
While fibroids can sometimes affect fertility and increase the risk of complications, they do not always prevent pregnancy. Many women with fibroids are able to have successful conception. If you are concerned about fertility or pregnancy complications related to fibroids, it’s essential to consult with a doctor.
What are the risks and complications of fibroids pregnancy?
During pregnancy, fibroids can elevate the risk of several complications. It may include the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, placental abruption, and labor difficulties. These problems require close monitoring and medical intervention.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
