The dangers of uterine fibroids, are they threatening pregnancy?

Uterine fibroids are a condition where benign tumors grow on the inside of the uterine wall. Most women do not complain of complications from uterine fibroids leading to serious or dangerous pregnancies. However, a 2010 study found that 10-30% of women with uterine fibroids experience complications during pregnancy.

The dangers of uterine fibroids on the health of the mother and fetus

As many as 1 in 5 women aged 25-44 years develop fibroids in the uterus. Unfortunately, this condition often causes no symptoms that many women are unaware of.

You can only detect a tumor when you undergo a pelvic exam or ultrasound.

Uterine fibroid growths can occur before or during pregnancy. They can grow in size, even reaching more than 5 cm during the final two trimesters.

In some women, uterine fibroids also shrink or disappear on their own after giving birth.

Basically, uterine fibroids do not pose a great danger to both the mother and the fetus. However, the risk of a number of complications does increase with gestational age.

Here are some of the pregnancy problems associated with uterine fibroids, based on gestational age:

1. First trimester

Uterine fibroids usually don't grow right away once you become pregnant. These tumors will develop during the first three months of pregnancy.

Tumors need the hormone estrogen to grow. It is at this gestational age that your body's production of the hormone estrogen increases.

The growth of uterine fibroids in the first trimester can cause symptoms of pain or bleeding in some women.

As many as 30 percent of pregnant women who have uterine fibroids even experience bleeding and pain at the same time.

One of the dangers of uterine fibroids that may occur at this age is miscarriage. This condition is known to increase the risk of miscarriage by as much as 14 percent.

However, this still requires further research because a study conducted by Vanderbilt University in 2017 actually stated that uterine fibroids do not increase the risk of miscarriage.

2. Second and third trimesters

During the second and third trimesters, the uterus continues to expand so that the fetus has enough room to grow.

The development of the uterus gradually puts pressure on the fibroids in the uterus and causes a number of implications for pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids do not pose a major hazard to the health of the mother. However, you may feel pain in the pelvic area.

Large uterine fibroids can sometimes slide or twist, causing cramping and discomfort.

In addition, the growth of these benign tumors in the uterus can also increase the risk of detaching the placenta from the uterine wall.

The placenta should just be separated from the uterus when you give birth. If it is released early, the fetus is at risk of being deprived of oxygen and you can experience bleeding.

3. During and after childbirth

Baby being born via Caesarean Section coming out

Uterine fibroids can increase the chances of a baby being born early or being born in a breech position.

Doctors are more likely to recommend a c-section if uterine fibroids are preventing uterine contractions or blocking the passage of the baby.

New uterine fibroids will shrink in size after 3-6 months postpartum. If you are planning a further pregnancy, it is best to consult with your obstetrician first.

The dangers of uterine fibroids may not be fatal, but they can cause various problems during pregnancy.

That's why obstetricians always recommend that women who have uterine fibroids undergo treatment first before getting pregnant again.

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