Fibroids during pregnancy are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are very common, affecting up to 80% of women who reach the age of 50.Â
Most women with fibroids have no symptoms, but some may experience pain, heavy bleeding, or pressure in the pelvis.
Fibroids during pregnancy
If you have fibroids and are pregnant, you may be concerned about how they will affect your pregnancy.Â
The good news
is that most women with fibroids have a normal pregnancy and delivery. However,
there is a small increased risk of some complications, such as,
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor
- Placenta previa (the placenta implants low in the uterus)
- Placental abruption (the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)
- Breech birth (the baby is born bottom first)
How to deal with fibroids during pregnancy
If you have fibroids in pregnancy, it
is necessary to talk to your assigned doctor about your individual risk
factors. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for fibroids during pregnancy.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of the following,
1.
Pain medication:
If you are experiencing pain, your
doctor may prescribe pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
2.
Bed rest:
If you are experiencing severe pain or
bleeding, your doctor may recommend bed rest.
3.
Hydration:
It is important to stay hydrated,
especially if you are experiencing heavy bleeding.
4.
Monitoring:
Your doctor might advise routine
ultrasounds and blood tests to check on your fibroids.
Rarely, a pregnant woman with fibroids
may require surgery. This is often only carried out if the fibroids are really
complicating matters or if the woman is in danger of miscarrying.
Final Note
It is important to maintain a positive outlook and keep in mind that the majority of pregnant women experience a normal pregnancy and delivery if they have fibroids during pregnancy.
To feel
secure about your pregnancy discuss with your doctor your own risk factors and
available treatments.
