Fibroid Tumors & Pregnancy: What You NEED To Know (Doctor Tips)

If you’re facing the prospect of a fibroid tumor while pregnant, know that you’re not alone. Many women experience this, and understanding the situation is the first step. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides valuable guidelines for managing fibroids during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, a significant factor during pregnancy, can influence the growth of these tumors. It’s vital to consult with a trusted obstetrician who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Remember, with careful monitoring and informed decisions, a healthy pregnancy is absolutely achievable. Some women also turn to exploring options with a fertility specialist if they are planning to get pregnant, and have already know they have fibroids.

Image taken from the YouTube channel add-on Scans & Labs , from the video titled Fibroids in Pregnancy | Should you be worried? | Dr. Sunil Kumar G S | add-on Scans & Labs .

Understanding Fibroid Tumors During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroid tumors and are pregnant, you likely have many questions and concerns. This guide aims to provide clear, informative answers to help you understand the potential impact of fibroids during pregnancy and what you need to know, incorporating advice often given by medical professionals. We understand this can be a stressful time, so we’ve focused on providing supportive information in a digestible format. Our focus will be on "fibroid tumor while pregnant".

What are Fibroid Tumors?

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They are quite common, and many women have them without even realizing it. They can vary significantly in size, from tiny seeds to large masses that distort the shape of the uterus.

Types of Fibroids

Different types of fibroids are classified based on their location within the uterus:

• Intramural Fibroids: These grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal Fibroids: These develop on the outside of the uterus. They can sometimes grow on a stalk (pedunculated).
• Submucosal Fibroids: These grow under the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and can protrude into the uterine cavity. These are often associated with heavier bleeding.
• Pedunculated Fibroids: As mentioned, these are fibroids that are attached to the uterus by a stalk.

Fibroid Tumor While Pregnant: The Potential Impact

Not all women with fibroids experience problems during pregnancy. However, some fibroids can potentially cause complications. Understanding these possibilities allows for proactive management with your doctor.

Potential Complications

It’s important to emphasize that many women with fibroids have perfectly healthy pregnancies. However, the following are some potential complications that may arise:

1. Pain: As the uterus grows during pregnancy, fibroids can also grow, potentially leading to pain, particularly during the first trimester. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps.

2. Bleeding: Fibroids can sometimes cause bleeding, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. If you experience any bleeding, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately.

3. Miscarriage: While less common, there’s a slightly increased risk of miscarriage, particularly with large submucosal fibroids or those that significantly distort the uterine cavity.

4. Preterm Labor: Fibroids can increase the risk of preterm labor and delivery, particularly if they are large or located near the cervix.

5. Breech Presentation: The presence of fibroids can sometimes prevent the baby from turning into the optimal head-down position for delivery, leading to a breech presentation.

6. Placental Abruption: In rare cases, fibroids can interfere with placental function, potentially leading to placental abruption, a serious condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery.

7. Cesarean Delivery: Women with fibroids may be more likely to require a cesarean delivery, especially if the fibroids are large or located in the lower uterine segment, obstructing the birth canal.

8. Postpartum Hemorrhage: After delivery, fibroids can sometimes interfere with the uterus contracting properly, leading to postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

Factors Influencing the Impact of Fibroids

The impact of fibroids on pregnancy depends on several factors:

• Size: Larger fibroids are more likely to cause problems than smaller ones.
• Location: Submucosal fibroids are more likely to affect the pregnancy than subserosal fibroids.
• Number: The more fibroids a woman has, the higher the risk of complications.
• Growth During Pregnancy: Some fibroids grow during pregnancy due to increased hormone levels. This growth can increase the risk of pain and other complications.

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Fibroid Tumor While Pregnant

Ideally, fibroids are diagnosed before pregnancy during routine pelvic exams or imaging tests performed for other reasons. However, sometimes they are discovered during pregnancy.

Diagnostic Methods

• Ultrasound: The most common method for diagnosing and monitoring fibroids during pregnancy. Both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds may be used.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): While generally avoided during the first trimester, MRI may be used later in pregnancy to get a more detailed view of the fibroids if necessary.

Monitoring During Pregnancy

Your doctor will likely monitor your fibroids throughout your pregnancy with regular ultrasounds. This allows them to track their size, location, and any potential impact on the pregnancy.

Management and Treatment Options

Most women with fibroids during pregnancy do not require any specific treatment. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and monitoring for potential complications.

Pain Management

• Rest: Resting and avoiding strenuous activities can help reduce pain.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important.
• Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying a warm compress or ice pack to the abdomen can provide relief.
• Pain Medication: Your doctor may recommend safe pain relievers for pregnancy, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) unless specifically advised by your doctor.

Other Management Strategies

• Monitoring for Complications: Regular check-ups and ultrasounds are crucial for monitoring for potential complications like bleeding, preterm labor, or growth restriction.
• Early Intervention: If complications arise, your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the specific situation.

Surgical Intervention During Pregnancy?

Surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy) is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to the risks associated with surgery, including potential harm to the fetus. It’s typically reserved for extremely rare cases where the fibroids are causing severe pain or complications that cannot be managed with other methods.

Doctor Tips & Questions to Ask

It’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your fibroids and pregnancy. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What is the size, location, and number of my fibroids?
• How might my fibroids affect my pregnancy and delivery?
• What are the potential complications I should be aware of?
• How often will I need to be monitored?
• What can I do to manage pain and other symptoms?
• When should I contact you if I experience any problems?
• Will my fibroids affect my future pregnancies?
• What are my options for managing fibroids after delivery?

By being informed and proactive, you can work with your healthcare team to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy for you and your baby, despite having a fibroid tumor while pregnant.

So, whether you’re dealing with a newly discovered fibroid tumor while pregnant, or you’ve known about it for a while, I hope this helped clear things up a bit! Keep chatting with your doctor, and remember to take things one day at a time. You got this!