Uterine Fibroid Tumor During Pregnancy

Many women suffer from uterine fibroids.

Most women who have uterine fibroid tumors are unaware of their existence due to the lack of symptoms associated with them. Although they are typically discovered during an annual pelvic exam, a pregnant woman may find out she has fibroids during a prenatal ultrasound procedure.

Significance

According to WomensHealth.gov, fibroids are almost always benign with fewer than 1 in 1,000 being leiomyosarcoma, or a cancerous fibroid. It is estimated that between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women suffer from fibroids. (See References 1)

Features

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can grow alone or in groups and may be as small as an apple seed or as large as a grapefruit. Often women with fibroids experience no symptoms.

Potential Problems

A pregnant woman with a uterine fibroid tumor is at a higher risk for delivery by ceasarean section; having a baby that is in the breech or otherwise unusual position; slow, unproductive labor; placental abruption and preterm delivery.

Treatment

Unless there is extreme pain or profuse bleeding, uterine fibroid tumors are typically left untreated during pregnancy but should be closely monitored by a health care professional. Fibroids tend to shrink in size after pregnancy, due to the normalization of the hormone levels in the body.

Home Care

Pregnant women with a uterine fibroid tumor who experience pain should lie down or use an ice pack to relieve pain symptoms. If there is extreme or constant pain, contact a health care professional immediately.

References

• Women's Health
• Pregnancy Info