Fibroids are non-cancerous masses in the uterus, also called uterine fibroids or fibroids, which can cause pain and bleeding, or cause no symptoms. But what is the relationship between fibroids and pregnancy? Can fibroids cause problems in pregnancy?
Fibroids are made up of muscle cells and other tissues that grow inside the wall of the uterus, on the outside or between the uterine muscles. They are the most frequent non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age, and in many cases they do not cause pregnancy complications.
Most fibroids are small, non-malignant growths that do not affect pregnancy. But sometimes there could be some risk, increasing the possibility of spontaneous abortion, premature birth or breech presentation. To minimize risks, women must be under medical supervision and discuss their case.
There are two possible cases that interest us: women who have had surgery to remove the fibroids and those in whom there has been no surgical intervention. Let's look at both possibilities.
Fibroid Extraction
Many women when they are diagnosed with uterine fibroids are intervened to remove them. This operation does not affect pregnancies or childbirth in the case of small fibroids. Only in cases where it is a large fibroid, the surgical operation could weaken the uterus and the doctor could decide if it is necessary to go through a dilation phase or if a cesarean section is scheduled.
A myomectomy (the surgical removal of fibroids without removing the uterus) does not interfere with the possibility of becoming pregnant and having children. Sometimes, however, myomectomy causes internal healing that causes infertility.
Without surgery, fibroids can be the cause 2 to 3% of infertility cases (due to the creation of an abnormal uterine cavity, deformation of the uterus and cervix or obstruction of the fallopian tubes).
Fibroids, pregnancy and childbirth
Most commonly, fibroids do not interfere with a woman's fertility and conception is achieved without problems.
If we know the existence of fibroids, we have not operated to remove them and we notice any symptoms that could indicate risks in pregnancy (severe pain, bleeding, swelling ...) go immediately to the specialist (as if we do not have fibroids).
Fibroids can increase in size during pregnancy due to increased blood flow, and this could cause pain or pressure: this is why sometimes pregnant women with fibroids They notice these symptoms in the abdomen. We must also notify the specialist, who can send us rest or some pain reliever so that the pain remits in a few days.
In the face of severe abdominal pain and fever, it is likely that there has been a degeneration or twisting of the fibroids. If this problem is detected and considered a risk for pregnancy, the possibility of surgery will be considered, although this only happens rarely: it is a myomectomy.
Also rare is the fact that the fibroid is interference for a vaginal delivery. Normally, small fibroids are not an obstacle in this regard, and even larger ones will leave room when the uterus becomes large throughout the months of pregnancy.
Very rarely, a large fibroid partially blocks the cervix and the baby cannot pass through the birth canal, so a cesarean section is performed.
In short, each case is different and has to be assessed and supervised by the doctor. It will depend on whether the fibroid has been operated or not, its size, location ... but Typically, fibroids do not adversely affect the possibility of getting pregnant, pregnancy itself or childbirth.
