Fibroids are more common than many people realize. Studies suggest that about 40% to 60% of women have fibroids by the age of 35, and up to 80% of women have them by age 50. Despite this, detecting fibroids during pregnancy can be challenging.
The natural thickening of the uterine muscles during pregnancy makes distinguishing fibroids on an ultrasound, especially the smaller ones, difficult. This diagnostic challenge means the actual number of pregnant women with fibroids may be underestimated.
Do Fibroids Grow During Pregnancy?
Yes, some fibroids, particularly smaller ones, may grow during pregnancy. The hormonal changes of higher estrogen and progesterone levels stimulate the growth of such tumors. Some fibroids undergo dimensional changes in their size because they may shrink or stay at a consistent measurement.
Possible Complications in the First Trimester
During the early stages of pregnancy, fibroids can lead to several complications:
1. Bleeding and Pain:
Fibroids cause bleeding together with pain in numerous expectant mothers whose condition includes these fibroids. Scientific studies indicate that during the first pregnancy trimester, women who have fibroids suffer from bleeding in 11% of cases, while 59% felt pain and 30% exhibited both symptoms.
2. Miscarriage:
Women with fibroids face a higher risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. The data shows that the miscarriage rate stands at 14% for women with fibroids, whereas it is 7.6% for those without fibroids. The risk of miscarriage rises when fibroids exist together with multiple or large fibroids.
Complications in the Second and Third Trimesters
As pregnancy progresses and the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, fibroids can cause additional challenges:
1. Pain:
Pain remains the most common symptom, especially with larger fibroids. Fibroids can twist, leading to cramping and discomfort. In some cases, they outgrow their blood supply, causing a condition known as “red degeneration,” which can result in sharp abdominal pain and, in rare cases, miscarriage.
2. Placental Abruption:
Women with fibroids have an increased risk of placental abruption—a serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery. Heavy maternal bleeding and shock occur when oxygen deprivation deprives the baby of oxygen.
3. Preterm Delivery:
Fibroids increase the physical risk of pregnant women having an early delivery before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy. Regular medical check-ups help monitor a pregnant woman’s health due to the dangers of premature birth.
How Do Fibroids Affect Delivery?
Fibroids can influence the labor and delivery process in several ways:
1. Increased Likelihood of C-Section:
Research shows women with fibroids need C-section delivery six times more often. The correct functioning of the uterus and birth canal becomes impaired by fibroids, which delays the normal process of childbirth.
2. Breech Birth:
Fibroids create obstacles that force the baby to assume a breech presentation where its buttocks or feet emerge before the head during delivery.
What Happens to Fibroids After Delivery?
Fibroids tend to become smaller after a woman gives birth. Research shows that seventy percent of women who gave birth saw fibroid sizes decrease by more than fifty percent throughout the three to six months after giving birth. The reduction of pregnancy hormones during childbirth causes natural regression in fibroid dimensions.
Managing Fibroids During Pregnancy
Pregnant women with fibroids, as well as those planning a pregnancy, require regular medical checks. Monitoring potential complications remains essential for women who have fibroids despite many of them experiencing healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. Your healthcare provider needs your active collaboration to develop customized healthcare management that meets your requirements.
Tips for Managing Symptoms:
● Attend all prenatal appointments: Routine appointments help you find changes in your health condition before they become serious.
● Manage pain safely: Take prescribed medications exactly as your doctor recommends, and avoid using treatments alone.
● Monitor for warning signs: Call medical services right away if you feel intense pain or notice unexpected symptoms alongside bleeding.
● Stay informed: Your condition understanding allows you to make wise choices during your pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
The growth of fibroids during pregnancy occurs, but most women with fibroids avoid pregnancy complications. The majority of pregnant women achieve safe pregnancy outcomes together with healthy delivery through appropriate treatment and consistent medical examinations. Consult your healthcare professional about all fibroid-related symptoms or concerns during pregnancy
