Fibroids during pregnancy are a common problem among women of childbearing age. But growing numbers of women are being affected every day. Fibroids during pregnancy can serve as serious problems.
It’s always best to have an idea of what you can do about them if you know you’ve got fibroids. If you feel uncomfortable about something, don’t think twice about discussing your issues with a doctor.
In this article, we discuss the usual questions asked about fibroids during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are growths that develop in or around the uterus. Made of muscle and fibrous tissue, fibroids can vary from being as small as a pea to as large as a melon.
Fibroids are very common and usually develop during a woman’s childbearing years. While most fibroids are benign (non-cancerous), some can cause symptoms. Some of these are heavy bleeding, pain, and difficulty urinating.
Treatment options include medication, surgery, and watchful waiting.
Fibroids may be one of the causes of irregular menstrual cycle
What Causes Fibroids During Pregnancy?
Hormones play a key role in the development of fibroids. During pregnancy, the placenta releases hormones into your system. They help prepare your body for carrying and delivering a baby. These hormones cause changes in your uterus, including its size and shape.
Because of these hormone changes, your fibroid symptoms are likely to worsen during pregnancy. The good news is that they’ll probably return to normal after you give birth.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids During Pregnancy?
Fibroids can be very uncomfortable during pregnancy. The symptoms depend on the size and location of your fibroid.
Some women have no symptoms at all, but others may experience some or all the following:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, especially during the first trimester
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or pelvic discomfort
- Bloating and constipation
- Constipation
- Anaemia
What Are the Risks Associated With Fibroids During Pregnancy?
Many women with fibroids can get pregnant without problems. They should know about the risks of getting pregnant with fibroids.
Here are the risks of having fibroid tumours during pregnancy:
Miscarriage
The risk of miscarriage becomes high. Fibroid tumours can interfere with the embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus.
Placenta Previa
This condition occurs when part of the placenta covers part of the cervix. It makes it difficult for the baby to pass through it during labour. It can sometimes cause severe bleeding during delivery.
Degeneration and Torsion
During pregnancy, the uterus can grow. It’s because of the hormones released in the body. This growth can cause a fibroid to become larger and sometimes even grow blood vessels. As a result, more bleeding or pain may occur during this time.
The fibroid can also twist on its axis, called torsion. This is less common than the growth of blood vessels but can still occur during pregnancy. If your doctor detects that your fibroid has twisted while you are pregnant, they will recommend surgery to remove it as soon as possible.
Preterm Labour and Birth
Fibroids during pregnancy can cause preterm labour and birth. This happens when a fibroid grows larger. It puts pressure on the uterus and causes contractions.
Placental Abruption
It is possible for fibroids to cause placental abruption. It occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.
Placental abruption is when the placenta peels away from the uterus before the baby is born. This can stop the baby from getting food and oxygen leading to stillbirth or premature birth. Let your doctor monitor you and give you the right medicine to help prevent this.
Malpresentation
Fibroids during pregnancy can press on her cervix. This causes an abnormal presentation.
Malpresentation is when the baby’s head is not in the correct position for delivery. Abnormal positioning of the baby’s head or arms before birth can cause this. The most common types of malpresentation are:
- Breech (when the baby’s feet are presenting first).
- Shoulder dystocia (when one shoulder gets stuck).
- Malpresentation (when both shoulders get stuck).
Image Source: iStock
Caesarian Birth
In some cases, fibroids can cause complications during pregnancy. A doctor may advise a cesarian delivery if there are signs of heavy bleeding or an inability to pass urine.
Some doctors recommend caesarian delivery when there is a big fibroid.
Dysfunctional Labour
Fibroids are usually benign and noncancerous. But, they can cause severe pain and bleeding during labour.
Dysfunctional labour is when the baby’s head cannot progress through the birth canal. This can lead to complications for both mother and child. These include foetal distress and even death.
Postpartum Haemorrhage
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurs when there’s heavy bleeding after delivery. It’s because a woman’s uterus has not contracted back into its normal size.
A large fibroid that has grown during pregnancy sometimes causes this. When this happens, a woman may need blood transfusions to prevent death from blood loss.
Foetal Deformities
Fibroids can affect a baby at any stage of development. But it’s more likely to happen early in the pregnancy. The most common fetal deformities caused by fibroids include:
- Spina bifida and anencephaly
- Hydrocephalus
READ MORE:
Planning to Conceive? Here’s Why You Should Speak To Your Doctor Sooner than Later
Cystic Fibrosis In Babies Could Cause Stomach Ailments, Says New Study
How to Deal With Fibroids During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you should be aware of the risk factors associated with fibroids. It’s important to take appropriate steps to treat them. Here are some tips on how to deal with fibroids during pregnancy:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Fibroid tumours get nutrients from your blood. It is best to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Save some room in your tummy for lean proteins, too.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms related to fibroids. Examples are pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. It also helps improve blood circulation. It reduces swelling and improves oxygen flow throughout your body.
Image source: iStock
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects
Lifting heavy objects can cause strain on your back muscles. It can lead to increased pressure on your pelvic region and cause discomfort for pregnant women with fibroids. The best way forward is to ask for help when needed!
Consider Surgery or Radiation Therapy
Before getting pregnant check if your fibroids are causing severe symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding.
Have a Thorough Checkup With Your Doctor
Before trying to conceive make all is well on the inside!
How to Prevent Fibroids From Growing During Pregnancy?
Fibroids can be a pesky problem during pregnancy. But you can help prevent them from growing with these tips.
Drink Lots of Water
Water-soluble substances make up fibroid tumours. So it makes sense that they grow in an environment that’s moist and full of liquid. Keeping your body hydrated will help prevent fibroids from forming and spreading.
Eat Foods High in Fibre
Fibroids are made up of the same stuff that makes up your stool. So if you’re eating more fibre than usual (about 25 grams per day), your stools will be more solid. It’s less likely to break down into liquid—which means less room for the growth of tumours.
Choose Low-Fat Dairy Products Over Whole Milk or Cheese
It’s for calcium intake without too many extra calories from fat!
Make Sure Your Doctor Checks for Other Things
Before prescribing medicine or procedure, let your doctor make sure you don’t have other problems with your body besides fibroids.
What Should I Expect After Giving Birth if I Had Fibroids During Pregnancy?
If you have fibroids, you may wonder what’s in store after giving birth.
You may be concerned that the fibroids will come back or grow even larger.
The good news is that most women with fibroids don’t experience any problems after giving birth. Some women find that their fibroid symptoms improve or go away completely. And if you do have problems, they typically aren’t severe and can be treated easily.
But, it’s important to have a regular checkup. You can do it while pregnant and after giving birth. So they can track any changes in your fibroid symptoms. Your doctor will want to ensure no complications with your pregnancy or childbirth.
Image Source: Pexels
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.