Healthy Tips For Better Life

Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids are a very common type of mass made up of uterine tissue. Normally, these growths are nothing to worry about and do not cause any symptoms of pain or discomfort. However, depending upon the size and number of fibroids found, some women do experience slight discomfort and light spotting, especially when pregnant. These tumors during pregnancy may have a tendency to grow in size, which will cause these mild symptoms and make an expecting mother a little anxious. Unfortunately, treatment of uterine fibroids during pregnancy is not recommended.

So what do you do if you are pregnant and it is discovered that you have uterine fibroids? Your doctor or health care provider will help you in determining the severity of the non-cancerous uterine fibroids during pregnancy and what approach to take from there. If you are experiencing light spotting and abdominal discomfort, it may be recommended that you simply lie down and apply an ice pack to the area that is causing you discomfort.

Your health care provider will keep a close eye on the uterine fibroids throughout the pregnancy, measuring them on a regular basis to ensure they are not growing larger. If symptoms do not worsen, there should be no need to take any further action other than constant monitoring and the tumors most likely will not cause any problems throughout the pregnancy. If the symptoms begin to get worse, such as bleeding profusely or severe pain, treatment options may be pursued.

The trimesters in which the uterine fibroids are discovered during pregnancy are also a major factor of the risks that may be involved. These may include, but are not limited to:

- During the first trimester, certain types of uterine fibroids in pregnancy can act like an IUD and cause miscarriage.

- Later in the pregnancy, depending on the size and location of the uterine fibroids, they could cause premature labor.

- Due to increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy, uterine fibroids in pregnancy may enlarge and displaced the placenta.

- Large tumors in the uterine cavity can leave less space for baby and may cause miscarriage or may lead to congenital deformities.

- Multiple uterine fibroids during pregnancy that are located near the bottom of the uterus may block the vagina, making it necessary to deliver the baby by cesarean section.

- Between the 12th and 22nd week of pregnancy, the blood supply to the fibroids may be cut off, making them turn red and die. This is known as "Red Degeneration." This can cause severe abdominal pain and contractions of the uterus, possibly leading to early labor or miscarriage.

If uterine fibroids are detected during pregnancy, keeping a close eye on them with your health professional is essential. Uterine fibroids are never removed during pregnancy due to the risk of hemorrhage but if complications arise, other forms of treatment may be necessary. If you are planning on getting pregnant, talk with your health professional about routine pelvic exams so that any tumors may be detected and removed before becoming pregnant.

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