While no woman ever wants to worry about the health of either herself or her baby in the midst of pregnancy, concerns can be difficult to keep at bay when you know you’re living with uterine fibroids.
After all, regardless as to whether you’re trying to conceive or you’re already several months along, uterine fibroids may present a variety of challenges or risks to a woman’s overall pregnancy. But knowing what to expect — as well as who you can turn to — can make all the difference, which is why we’re here to shed some light on how uterine fibroids may affect your pregnancy as it progresses …
How Fibroids May Affect Your Pregnancy
According to a study conducted in 2010, approximately one-third of uterine fibroids develop in the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. That said, the same study acknowledged that only about 10%-30% of women with fibroids actually develop fetal complications (meaning many women are asymptomatic).
But of the observed problems, pregnant women with uterine fibroids may experience:
- Abdominal pain
- Continued bleeding during early terms
- Slightly increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth
- Abnormal separation of the placenta (abruption)
- A restriction of room in which the fetus can grow in the womb
How Fibroids May Affect Your Delivery
The type of fibroid a woman has (based on size and location) can also affect her delivery. For instance, fibroids might cause a woman to go into preterm labor and delivery.
Otherwise, a baby may also end up in an abnormal fetal position come time for delivery, meaning they may be lying in a breech or transverse position in the womb. Thus, delivery may be more difficult and a Cesarean section delivery might be deemed necessary.
Treatment You Can Trust
The good news is that most women experience few if any of the above difficulties as a result of their uterine fibroids.
And what’s more is that researchers also found in 2010 that 79% of fibroids that had been present prior to pregnancy actually decreased in size after delivery, meaning a woman’s fibroids may shrink due to the rush of hormones the body experiences during the nine-month period.
Regardless, it is of the utmost importance that a pregnant woman with uterine fibroids consult her local experts, as treatment during pregnancy will vary depending on her type of fibroid(s) as well as her physical limitations.
And if you’re not sure who to turn to, then it’s time to reach out to Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center. Our center is all about improving the level of information and healthcare provided to women living with uterine fibroids, as well as presenting them with several treatment options according to what best suits your unique body and lifestyle.
Contact us today by calling (904) 423-6017 to schedule your consultation!
