Do Uterine Fibroids Impact Pregnancy?
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are a common condition, affecting approximately 20-80% of women by the time they reach age 50 [1]. While many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies, these growths can sometimes cause complications. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of uterine fibroids, how they might impact pregnancy, and the available management options.
Types of Uterine Fibroids and Their Characteristics
Uterine fibroids are classified into four main types based on their location within the uterus [2]:
Subserosal fibroids: These develop on the outer wall of the uterus and typically cause few or no symptoms.
Intramural fibroids: Found within the muscular wall of the uterus, they can cause an enlarged uterus and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and may lead to heavy bleeding and fertility issues.
Pedunculated fibroids: A less common type, these fibroids grow on a stalk-like structure, either inside the uterus (submucosal) or outside (subserosal).
How Uterine Fibroids May Impact Pregnancy
Although many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies, there can be complications [3]. Some of the potential challenges include:
Miscarriage or preterm birth: The presence of fibroids may increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth, especially if the fibroids are large or numerous.
Placental abruption: Fibroids can interfere with the placenta's ability to attach to the uterine wall, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called placental abruption.
Fetal growth restriction: Fibroids may restrict blood flow to the fetus, resulting in slower growth and development.
Cesarean section: Depending on their size and location, fibroids can obstruct the birth canal, necessitating a cesarean delivery [4].
Managing Uterine Fibroids Before and During Pregnancy
To reduce the risk of complications, it's essential to manage fibroids before and during pregnancy:
Pre-pregnancy fibroid evaluation: If you know or suspect you have fibroids, consult with your healthcare provider to assess their size, location, and potential impact on pregnancy.
Treatment options and natural remedies: Depending on the severity of your fibroids, your doctor may recommend medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Some natural remedies like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management may also help reduce fibroid growth [5].
Monitoring fibroids during pregnancy: Regular prenatal care will allow your healthcare provider to monitor your fibroids and address any complications that may arise.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you're pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms, consult your healthcare provider:
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Heavy or persistent vaginal bleeding
Sudden increase in abdominal size
Signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Regular prenatal care is crucial for all expectant mothers, but especially for those with uterine fibroids. This ensures that potential complications are detected and managed promptly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Uterine fibroids can impact pregnancy, but with proper care and management, many women with fibroids can have healthy pregnancies. Early detection, treatment, and monitoring are essential for minimizing the risks associated with fibroids during pregnancy. If you have concerns about your fibroids or their potential impact on your pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us at Indiana Vascular to receive a consultation and to discuss possible treatment options.
Sources
Stewart, E. A. (2015). Uterine fibroids. The Lancet, 387(10022), 1189-1200. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)01198-0/fulltext
Borahay, M. A., Al-Hendy, A., Kilic, G. S., & Boehning, D. (2015). Signaling Pathways in Leiomyoma: Understanding Pathobiology and Implications for Therapy. Molecular Medicine, 21(1), 242–256. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4536641/
Klatsky, P. C., Tran, N. D., Caughey, A. B., & Fujimoto, V. Y. (2008). Fibroids and reproductive outcomes: a systematic literature review from conception to delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 198(4), 357-366. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937808000405
Qidwai, G. I., Caughey, A. B., & Jacoby, A. F. (2006). Obstetric outcomes in women with sonographically identified uterine leiomyomata. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 107(2 Pt 1), 376-382. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16449131/
Parazzini, F., Di Martino, M., & Candiani, M. (2015). Dietary components and uterine leiomyomas: a review of published data. Nutrition and Cancer, 67(4), 569-579. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25825901/
