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Fibroids: Pregnancy
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Fibroids are often detected at a routine scan during pregnancy. They do not necessarily cause any problems. However, there is an increased risk of miscarriage, premature labour and bleeding in women who have fibroids so it's important to consider seeking specialist care from an obstetrician.
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Fibroids are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm labor, placental abruption, cesarean section, and breech presentation. The degree to which this association reflects causation rather than confounding by factors such as race and age or detection bias is unclear.
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CAUSES — Although the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, their growth seems to be related to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When these hormone levels decrease at menopause, many of the symptoms of fibroids begin to resolve. However, it is not clear that hormones actually cause the fibroids. As an example, women who have had high levels of both of these hormones as a result of pregnancy or birth control pills have a lower incidence of fibroids later in life.
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A small number of pregnant women have uterine fibroids. If you are pregnant and have fibroids, they probably won't cause problems for you or your baby. During pregnancy, fibroids may increase in size. Most of this growth is due to blood flowing to the uterus. Coupled with the extra burden placed on the body by pregnancy, growth of fibroids may cause discomfort, feelings of pressure, or pain. Fibroids usually decrease in size after pregnancy.
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Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. However, the possibility of a miscarriage is higher if fibroids are present. The increased blood flow to the uterus during pregnancy can cause fibroid growth. If the tumor blocks the uterine passage, a C-section may be required. Large growths ... increase the chance of premature delivery, and greater blood loss during delivery. Occasionally, a growth may block the uterus so completely that it causes infertility.
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Uterine fibroids (uterine leiomyomata) are non-cancerous tumors consisting of fibers or fibrous tissue that arise in the uterus. It is the most common growth of the female genital tract. These tumors are highly sensitive to estrogen. They develop following the onset of menstruation, enlarge during pregnancy, and decrease, often disappear after menopause when estrogen levels are decreased by half. They can be as small as a hen's egg, or commonly grow to the size of an orange or grapefruit. The largest fibroid on record weighed over 100 pounds.
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