Degenerating Fibroids During Pregnancy
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, a fibroid is a noncancerous mass of tissue that grows inside the uterus. Fibroids are common, with about 70 percent of women expected to get one by age 45. Elevated hormones during pregnancy cause them to grow larger. Fibroids during pregnancy may increase the risk of vaginal bleeding and miscarriage.
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Types
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Fibroids that have outgrown their blood supply are degenerating fibroids. These are sometimes responsible for bleeding during pregnancy. Fibroids, which are also called fibromas, myofibromas, leiomyomas, fibromyomas, and myomas may grow within the wall of the uterus, inside the lining of the uterus, or outside of the uterus. These three types, called intramural, submucosal, and subserous, may grow as large as a basketball.
Risk Factors
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The underlying causes of uterine fibroids are unknown, but high levels of hormones including progesterone may help the fibroids grow, so they are often diagnosed during pregnancy. According to the Merck medical manual, fibroids are more common in women who are overweight. Fibroids may also occur during menopause. According to hysteroscopic expert Andrew Dott, fibroids also occur more often in women of African descent.
Symptoms
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Many uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Others may cause vaginal bleeding or heavier periods, pain or pressure in your uterus or a need to urinate more frequently. If you are pregnant a fibroid may be discovered during a routine examination or ultrasound. If a uterine fibroid is degenerating or causing vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, it may also be discovered at the time of the exam.
Treatment
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Many of the treatments for degenerating fibroids such as a surgery or hysterectomy are too invasive to use during pregnancy. The treatment for fibroids during pregnancy is usually nothing at all, though their presence increases the risk of miscarriage. A procedure called a myomectomy can be performed to remove the fibroid only, but it is extremely risky during pregnancy.
Prognosis
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Being pregnant with a degenerating fibroid is filled with risk. According to Health Square, a fibroid often grows underneath the lining of the uterus, which blocks growth and nutrients for the fetus during pregnancy. The uterine lining will be thinner, making a miscarriage more likely, and the embryo will have trouble staying attached if bleeding is present. Fibroids may also occupy the space meant for the growing baby or lead to pre-term labor. Many babies born to women with uterine fibroids have to be delivered by C-section.
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