Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological issue. It occurs in 20-25% of women of reproductive age [1]. Fibroids themselves are not life-threatening, but in some cases, they can lead to problems during pregnancy.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are benign formations (nodes) that develop from muscle tissue. A woman may have one or more myomatous nodes in different sizes; they may be tiny (like a pea) or large (like a large apple). Fibroids can remain small for a long time or grow suddenly and rapidly. The reason behind the development of fibroids is not fully known, but heredity and fluctuations in female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) play a role [2].
How do I find out if I have fibroids?
Before pregnancy, fibroids can cause copious, prolonged menstruation, bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle, frequent urination (a growing tumor can press on the bladder), and pain during sex [2].
But often, the condition is asymptomatic and does not interfere with the onset of pregnancy. That is why some expectant mothers find out they have fibroids until their first pregnancy screening [1].
Can this formation lead to complications during pregnancy?
In most cases, women with fibroids successfully carry pregnancy and give birth to healthy children. But a lot depends on the location of the formation, its size, and the number of nodes.
Problems may arise if the fibroid is large, begins to grow, or if there are numerous nodes. That can lead to severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and even miscarriage (especially in the early stages). In addition, problematic fibroids increase the risk of preeclampsia, placental abruption, premature birth, and cesarean section [3, 4].
Therefore, women with fibroids should follow their doctor's recommendations carefully, not skip any appointments and, if necessary, undergo additional ultrasounds (these help the doctor assess the embryo's condition and the fibroids' size).
Can I deliver vaginally if I have fibroids, or do I have to have a cesarean section?
Every woman is different. If the risk of complications is low, she can more than likely deliver vaginally, but if the myomatous nodes are large or if they block the birth canal, the doctor will probably indicate a c-section is in order [4].
