How does fibroids affect pregnancy

Effects on pregnancy Effects on fibroids Effects on fertility Treatment Symptoms Outlook Overview Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus, or womb. Read on to learn more about why fibroids develop and how they affect pregnancy. What are the effects on pregnancy? These include: Fetal growth restriction. Large fibroids may prevent a fetus from growing fully due to decreased room in the womb.

Placental abruption. This reduces vital oxygen and nutrients. Preterm delivery. Pain from fibroids may lead to uterine contractions, which can result in an early delivery. Cesarean delivery. Breech position. Because of the abnormal shape of the cavity, the baby may not be able to align for vaginal delivery. Research notes the chances for miscarriage are doubled in women with fibroids. What are the effects of pregnancy on fibroids? What are the effects of fibroids on fertility?

How are fibroids treated during pregnancy? How are fibroids treated before pregnancy to improve fertility? The most common treatments for fibroids that preserve fertility include: Myomectomy. This surgical procedure is used to remove fibroids. Hormonal birth control pills.

But this contraceptive can help ease symptoms of the condition, such as heavy bleeding and painful periods. Michael Coppa, MD and our team are here to help you navigate infertility and have a healthy pregnancy. Talk to Dr. Coppa about how fibroids might impact your chances of getting pregnant.

Many women of childbearing age have fibroids. Fibroids range in size and in location. Some are very small, while others can be large and distort the uterus. Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus, intramural fibroids are located inside the uterine wall, and submucosal fibroids are inside the uterus, or womb.

Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving your fertility, called a myomectomy. If the fibroids grow significantly into the uterine cavity, the procedure may be done through your vagina by hysteroscopy. If the fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus or on its surface, the surgeon might consider removing them by laparoscopy — through several small abdominal incisions.

An open surgery might be needed if the fibroids are large or if there are many of them. After the myomectomy, your uterus is repaired and functions normally. Your doctor will discuss the benefits, risks and potential complications of any treatment option with you.

Research shows women who have had more than six fibroids removed are less likely to conceive than women with fewer fibroids taken out. In rare cases, fibroids can cause miscarriage the loss of pregnancy during the first 23 weeks. Your GP or midwife will be able to give you further information and advice if you have fibroids and are pregnant. Infertility the inability to become pregnant may occur in cases where a woman has large fibroids.