Discovering that you have fibroids during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially if it comes as a surprise at your first scan. The good news is that most women with fibroids go on to have healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies.
Understanding what fibroids are, how they may affect your pregnancy and what can be done to manage them can help ease some of the worry. Here is everything you need to know about fibroids in pregnancy.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the uterus. They are extremely common among women of reproductive age, and many women have them without ever knowing.
Fibroids can vary widely in size, number and location. Some grow within the uterine wall, some project into the uterine cavity, and others develop on the outer surface of the uterus. The location often matters more than the size when it comes to how fibroids affect fertility and pregnancy.
Many women only discover they have fibroids in pregnancy scans, since fibroids frequently cause no noticeable symptoms beforehand.
What does it mean to have fibroids in pregnancy?
Finding fibroids during pregnancy does not automatically mean there will be complications. Many pregnancies with fibroids proceed normally, resulting in a healthy delivery and a healthy baby.
That said, fibroids are associated with a somewhat higher risk of certain pregnancy complications. Whether this applies to you depends largely on the size, number and, most importantly, the position of your fibroids.
Fibroids tend to remain fairly stable during pregnancy, though some do grow, particularly during the first trimester. Your medical team will keep a close eye on any changes through regular scans.
How fibroids can affect pregnancy
Miscarriage risk
Fibroids in pregnancy, particularly those that grow into the uterine cavity, are linked to a somewhat increased risk of miscarriage, especially in the first and second trimesters. This risk is not the same for every woman and depends heavily on where the fibroid is located.
Preterm labor and delivery
Some studies suggest fibroids may raise the likelihood of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes, although research findings vary. Larger fibroids or those situated near the lower part of the uterus tend to carry a higher risk.
Placental complications
When fibroids grow close to where the placenta attaches, there is a higher chance of complications such as placental abruption or reduced nutrient flow to the baby. In some cases, this can affect the baby’s growth or birth weight.
Positioning and delivery
Large fibroids can occasionally obstruct the birth canal or affect the position the baby settles into before birth. This can increase the likelihood of a caesarean delivery, particularly when fibroids are large or positioned low in the uterus.
Pain and discomfort
Some women experience pain related to fibroids in pregnancy, most often in the second or third trimester. This can happen when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, a process known as red degeneration, which may cause localised pain, tenderness and sometimes mild fever.
Treatment and management of fibroids during pregnancy
Why treatment is usually delayed
Removing fibroids surgically during pregnancy is generally avoided. The uterus becomes far more vascular during pregnancy, which increases the risk of significant bleeding if surgery is attempted. In most cases, doctors recommend leaving fibroids untreated until after delivery.
Conservative symptom management
For pain related to fibroids in pregnancy, the usual approach is conservative. This can include rest, staying well hydrated, and using pain relief medication that is considered safe during pregnancy. Your doctor will guide you on which options are appropriate at each stage of pregnancy.
Monitoring throughout pregnancy
Regular ultrasounds allow your healthcare team to track the size, number and position of your fibroids throughout pregnancy. This ongoing monitoring helps detect any changes early and informs decisions around delivery planning.
When surgery is considered
In rare cases, surgical intervention during pregnancy may be necessary if symptoms are severe and not responding to conservative treatment. This is not common and is only considered when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
After the birth
The good news is that many fibroids shrink naturally after pregnancy as the uterus returns to its normal size. If treatment is still needed afterwards, your doctor will typically recommend waiting a number of months to allow your body to recover before exploring options such as myomectomy.
How Fertility Choice can assist
At Fertility Choice, we understand how unsettling it can feel to learn you have fibroids, whether you are trying to conceive or are already expecting. Our team offers thorough assessments to understand the size, number and location of your fibroids and how they may relate to your fertility or pregnancy.
We work closely with each patient to develop a personalised care plan, whether that means monitoring fibroids in pregnancy, discussing fertility-preserving treatment options before conception, or planning next steps after delivery. Our goal is to give you clear, honest guidance so you can feel confident and supported throughout your journey.
Conclusion
Fibroids in pregnancy are common, and in most cases, they do not prevent a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Understanding how fibroids may affect you, keeping up with regular monitoring, and working closely with your healthcare team are the best ways to manage any risks that do arise.
If you have fibroids and are pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply want peace of mind, expert guidance can make all the difference.
Contact Fertility Choice today to book a consultation and get the personalised care and support you need for a healthy pregnancy journey.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of fibroids during pregnancy?
Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all and are only discovered during a routine ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, they can include localised pain, pressure or discomfort in the abdomen, and occasionally mild fever or nausea if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply.
How to manage fibroid pain during pregnancy?
Fibroid pain during pregnancy is usually managed conservatively with rest, adequate hydration and pregnancy-safe pain relief medication. Severe or persistent pain should always be reported to your doctor for proper assessment.
Can a baby survive with a fibroid in the womb?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, babies are born healthy despite the presence of fibroids. Serious harm to the baby from fibroids is rare, though close monitoring is important, particularly if fibroids are large or positioned near the placenta.
What happens if my fibroids grow during pregnancy?
Some fibroids grow during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, while others remain stable. Growth is monitored through regular ultrasounds, and your doctor will advise on any additional care needed based on the size and position of the fibroid.
