Uterine fibroids are smooth muscle tumours that grow in the uterus of women. They are considered benign in a few cases they may negatively impact fertility and even cause pregnancy complications. Given this mostly happens in women of reproductive age, they surely are cause for concern due to the potential pregnancy complications they can trigger.
“Pain, preterm labour and birth, obstetric complications, foetal malpresentation and placental abruption are some of the common pregnancy complications fibroids can cause”, says lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Fibroids are often considered the common cause of infertility in women. But not many know that they can pose a risk for pregnancy too. So how do fibroids impact pregnancy, what exactly are these symptoms and how are these fibroids managed and treated during pregnancy? Read on to know the answers from Dr Neelima Mantri herself:
Fibroids & Their Impact on Pregnancy:
Fibroids are common among women of reproductive age. While they do hamper fertility they are easily treatable. However, fibroids during pregnancy can be a serious condition due to the nature of the complication they trigger.
While there are cases where they do not pose any risk, the chances of complications are slowly rising in the past few years. Some of the complications that are triggered by fibroids include:
- Miscarriage: The chance of miscarriage doubles when the fibroids that develop in the uterus are greater than 5cm.
- Breech position: The fibroids in the uterus may change the shape of the uterus causing alignment issues for the foetus in the uterus.
- Foetal growth restriction: Larger fibroids bypass the nutrition and restrict the space to prevent the baby from growing to its full potential.
- Preterm delivery: The pain caused by the fibroids may force the woman to have preterm delivery.
- Placental abruption: Fibroids may block the placenta and break it away from the uterus reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen in the process.
So, can fibroids harm the pregnancy?
The risk depends on the location of the fibroids, their size and also their number. Smaller and fewer fibroids rarely are a cause of concern. The risk of complication increases as fibroids grow in size (>5cm) and number. Nonetheless, the pregnant will need to consult a qualified gynaecologist who can effectively suggest the right course of treatment.
Fibroid Treatment during Pregnancy:
For non-pregnant women, the fibroid treatment procedure is simple and convenient. As soon as they pass the mandatory 6-month period post-pregnancy, fibroid treatment is performed based on the severity.
Medications & surgery procedures like Myomectomy, Hysterectomy, Radiofrequency ablation & Uterine fibroid embolization are performed to get rid of the fibroids.
As for pregnant women, the treatment options can be limited due to the risk that can be posed to the baby inside. Rest pain relievers, and hydration is often suggested and in only very rare cases surgery procedures like Myomectomy are prescribed to remove the fibroids. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for fibroid treatment during pregnancy, you can contact best gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri here: https://www.drneelimamantri.com/