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:

Pain

If a fibroid grows faster than its blood supply, it may cause temporary pain

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

Report Symptoms

New pain, bleeding, or contractions—call promptly

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.