Fibroids During Pregnancy
Understanding what they are and how we monitor them together
Good news: Most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made of muscle tissue in or on your uterus.
Very Common
80%
of women develop fibroids by age 50
Not Dangerous
They're benign (not cancerous) and very common in pregnancy
How Pregnancy Affects Fibroids
Pregnancy hormones can cause changes in fibroids:
- Some grow during pregnancy due to increased estrogen
- Many stay the same size throughout pregnancy
- Some even shrink after delivery
Changes in fibroid size don't predict problems—we monitor to stay informed.
What to Expect: Your Care Timeline
Early Pregnancy
Ultrasound identifies fibroids and measures size
Mid Pregnancy
Regular monitoring at prenatal visits
Late Pregnancy
Discuss delivery plan based on baby's position
Possible Effects During Pregnancy
Most fibroids cause no problems, but we watch for:
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Pain
If a fibroid grows faster than its blood supply, it may cause temporary pain
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Baby Position
Large fibroids may affect how baby positions near delivery
If You Experience Pain
Fibroid pain (called "red degeneration") can happen when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply.
What Helps:
- Rest and hydration
- Warm compresses
- Pain medication (acetaminophen is safe in pregnancy)
- Usually resolves within a few days
Call your provider if pain is severe or accompanied by bleeding or contractions.
Planning Your Delivery
Most women with fibroids deliver vaginally.
A cesarean birth may be recommended if:
- A fibroid blocks the birth canal
- Your baby is in a position that makes vaginal birth difficult
- Other medical factors suggest it's safer
Your care team will discuss the best plan for your specific situation as you approach your due date.
Your Partnership Role
📅
Attend Visits
Regular prenatal appointments help us monitor changes
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Report Symptoms
New pain, bleeding, or contractions—call promptly
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Ask Questions
Understanding reduces anxiety—we're here to explain
🤝
Trust the Process
We have experience managing fibroids successfully
What Happens After Birth?
- Fibroids often shrink after delivery as hormone levels drop
- They don't interfere with breastfeeding
- Future planning: Discuss long-term fibroid management at your postpartum visit if needed
Most women notice improvement in fibroid-related symptoms after pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Fibroids are common and usually don't complicate pregnancy
- Monitoring is routine, not a sign of danger
- Most effects are manageable with simple interventions
- Your care team has experience supporting healthy pregnancies with fibroids
- Communication is key—always share concerns with your provider
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- How large are my fibroids and where are they located?
- Will they affect my baby's position or my delivery?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- How often will we monitor them with ultrasound?
- What's the plan if I experience pain?
Your questions are important. This is a partnership—we're here to support you.
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