When it comes to fibroids and pregnancy, fibroids are considered to be one of the most common types of benign tumors that appear in the womb of pregnant women. Despite being benign, they can lead to certain pregnancy complications of varying severity depending on their location and size. While not life threatening, fibroids should be removed early on if possible. However, this is not always possible depending on the size, location, and stage of pregnancy.
Fibroids are normally found in about 45% of all adult women, and 1 in every 15 women are diagnosed with fibroids during pregnancy. In recent years, studies have revealed certain predispositions to fibroids regarding age and race. For example, women with black African lineage are most susceptible to this type of condition. Additionally, the chance of getting fibroids increases with age.
In terms of fibroids and pregnancy, the fertility of the woman and her body weight are factors to consider in determining the presence of fibroids. Women who are obese or overweight more commonly experience this condition, which is why practicing wellness in life is always advantageous to women. A healthy lifestyle goes a long way in preventing fibroids.
Fibroids Diagnosis
The good news for pregnant women worried about fibroids is that 95% of reported cases with the American Pregnancy Association have been determined to be benign tumors. In fact, the majority of pregnant women will never experience any of the symptoms that can cause pregnancy complications regardless of whether it is early pregnancy or late fetal development. This means that the heightened risk of pregnancy loss is almost negligible.
In the context of fibroids and pregnancy, it is important to understand that fibroids can be seen in different sizes from pea-like to bigger than the size of a melon. In the same manner, the possibility for fibroids to grow becomes higher during pregnancy. It has been determined that fibroids normally shrink once a woman reaches menopausal age. In case they don’t, you should consult a medical practitioner from your health care institution.
Fibroids and Pregnancy Complications
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have more than one fibroid. There have been instances where as many as one hundred fibroids have been known to exist simultaneously in the womb. They are characterized by their oval or round shape, similar to that of an egg or ball. It also has a firm texture comparable to an unripe peach. In medical terms, it can also be referred to as fibromyoma, leiomyoma, or myoma.
Considering that fibroids may present themselves in different parts of the uterus, there is a genuine concern for fibroids and pregnancy. In fact, the location of the fibroids can directly or indirectly affect certain pregnancy complications.
A condition called “fibroid torsion” happens when the fibroid that is growing on a particular stalk starts to twist. This results in light spotting as well as slight pelvic pain. For the majority of pregnant women, however, its presence remains virtually unnoticed. There are likewise very few complications that can be attributed to fibroids and pregnancy. The chance of miscarriage can still be considered relatively higher risk compared to pregnancy without fibroids. The presence of fibroids can result in slight preterm labor including potential complications such as:
- Postpartum hemorrhaging
- Obstructed labor when fibroid grows in the birth canal
- Fetal malpresentations (baby takes an unusual position)
- Stalled labor
- Cesarean section
Sometimes, the presence of fibroids can also be associated with ectopic pregnancy signs – especially when vaginal bleeding is present. The chance of miscarriage, however, remains low unlike miscarriages from ectopic pregnancy.
Although bleeding during pregnancy is seen as perfectly normal, the presence of fibroids can aggravate this condition. Moreover, preeclampsia in pregnancy combined with fibroids can cause serious health problems for the mother and quite possibly for the baby as well. In the context of fibroids and pregnancy, a mid-pregnancy ultrasound and regularly consulting a health care professional is highly recommended.
Uterine Fibroids
In terms of common pregnancy complications, many pregnant women regardless of whether they are in early pregnancy or the late stages of fetal development are not completely aware of why fibroids grow. Actually no clear consensus has been achieved on why fibroids develop. One of the most common causes that have been identified is genetic predispositions as well as hormones and chromosomal abnormalities.
Essentially, when it comes to fibroids and pregnancy, the reproductive hormones (progesterone and estrogen) can stimulate cell growth leading to the formation of fibroids. The influx of hormones during pregnancy directly causes fibroids to grow. After the pregnancy period as well as during menopause, the fibroids are expected to shrink because of the lack of hormones.
In the context of fibroids and pregnancy this means that when women become pregnant again, the tendency for the fibroids to grow in size becomes extremely high. The type of bleeding associated with fibroids can be similar to the implantation bleeding seen with ectopic pregnancy signs. Possible miscarriage associated with fibroids becomes extremely low, unlike miscarriage from ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms of Fibroids
For the majority of pregnant women, fibroids do not manifest any side effects or symptoms. Most of them do not even know they have fibroids until their initial pregnancy screening, or once they become pregnant again. For the few who experience large fibroids, uncomfortable symptoms may be experienced like:
- Prolonged monthly periods
- Unusual and heavy bleeding
- Experiencing pain during intercourse
- Bloating or constipation
- Significant pain in the back or legs
- Pelvic pressure or pain
Will Fibroids Affect Fertility?
Considering the types of miscarriage, fibroids can result in an abortive state especially during early pregnancy up to the second trimester. In some instances the possibility of preterm labor can extend up to the 37th week of pregnancy. Conflict between fibroids and pregnancy can manifest themselves in different ways.
Educating yourself about fibroids helps to minimize the risk in pregnancies. Moreover, understanding the possible pregnancy complications will help you to accurately identify when it is ideal to consult a medical professional. In general though, fibroids should never be taken lightly and a second opinion from a health care professional is always good practice.
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