Pregnancy is a period of joy, excitement, and anticipation. But for some women, their pregnancy journey might become more challenging if they have uterine fibroids. Fibroids are often harmless and common. However, during pregnancy, fibroids can sometimes affect how the body adapts to changes and how the baby develops. Knowing how uterine fibroids affect every trimester of pregnancy is vital for expecting mothers and medical professionals to ensure safe treatment and successful results.
Remember that not all fibroids lead to issues; their impact varies from one woman to another. Some pregnancies may need serious medical attention, while other pregnancies progress smoothly even if there are uterine fibroids. Now, in this blog, let’s explore the uterine fibroids impact on delivery and how they affect each trimester of pregnancy.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas or myomas, are made up of fibrous tissues and muscles that grow in the uterus. This development might differ in size from the size of a pea to the size of a melon. Fibroids may form outside the uterus, or in the cavity of the uterus, or within the muscle wall.
The primary reason for the growth of fibroids is not known exactly. The overall reproductive health, hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle play an important part in the development of fibroids. Mostly, women don’t realize that they have uterine fibroids, as sometimes there will be no symptoms, and some women might face issues or discomfort, specifically during the pregnancy period.
What Are The Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
The signs differ based on the size, number, and location of the uterine fibroids. The most common symptoms are:
- Frequent urination due to pressure in the bladder.
- Constipation resulted from bowel compression.
- Enlarged abdomen due to giant fibroids.
- Pelvic pain and pressure.
- Pain while having sex.
- Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Pain in the lower back.
Based on the trimester, fibroids may cause different challenges during pregnancy, though they don’t always cause noticeable symptoms.
How Do Uterine Fibroids Affect the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
The first trimester is vital, as this is when the embryo implants in the uterus and starts to grow. Fibroids may impact this stage in many ways. They are:
1. Miscarriage Risk
Fibroids situated inside the cavity of the uterus can crowd the embryo or interfere with implantation, increasing the chance of early miscarriage.
2. Cramping and Bleeding
Some women might experience cramping or spotting during early pregnancy, which may occur often if fibroids are present.
3. Subchorionic Hematoma
In some cases, fibroids might lead to bleeding under the placenta, affecting early pregnancy health.
4. Hormonal Influence
Pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen, can trigger the development of fibroids. This might lead to fibroids growing rapidly in the period of the first trimester, resulting in pelvic discomfort and pain.
Not every woman who has fibroids might experience problems during the first trimester; comprehensive monitoring through ultrasound is usually suggested to ensure appropriate implantation and development, particularly in cases of uterine fibroids first trimester.
How Do Uterine Fibroids Affect the Second & Third Trimesters?
The uterus expands gradually as pregnancy progresses, and so do the possible impacts of fibroids. The effects of uterine fibroids and pregnancy in both the second and third trimesters can be clearly noticeable.
1) Discomfort and Pain
Large fibroids may experience a painful process resulting from minimal blood flow to the fibroids as the uterus develops. This often causes severe fever, abdominal pain, or tenderness in the second trimester. But, as per a case study by the World Health Organization, large fibroids are rare and often symptomatic.
2) Restricted Fetal Growth
In case fibroids take up a significant space in the uterus, they might restrict the growth of the baby, as there will only be minimal room. Restricted fetal growth is also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This can also impact the health of the fetus in later stages.
3) Preterm Labor
Fibroids can stimulate the contractions of the uterus, increasing the chance of preterm birth. Women who have large and multiple fibroids are specifically prone to preterm labor.
4) Placental Issues
Fibroids might disrupt normal placental attachment, resulting in a low-lying placenta or premature detachment. These may put the pregnancy at risk.
5) Malpresentation
Often, during the third trimester, the baby heads down for delivery. Huge fibroids might interfere with this natural process, leading to unusual fetal positions and breech presentation, complicating vaginal delivery.
6) Increased Cesarean Delivery Rates
Because of malpresentation, complicated labor, and excessive bleeding, women with fibroids usually need a C-section for safe delivery.
What Are The Treatment Options For Uterine Fibroids?
Managing fibroids during pregnancy needs a delicate balance, as the treatments are limited because of the risk of affecting the fetus. But the following approaches are recommended by the medical professionals.
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Pain Management
Pain because of fibroid pressure or degeneration can be managed through hydration, rest, and safe medications.
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Careful Monitoring
Prenatal checkups and regular ultrasounds are vital to keep track of the growth of fibroids and monitor the baby’s development.
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Surgical Options
Surgical removal of fibroids can be performed. But it is performed rarely, as there is a risk of heavy bleeding.
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Hospitalization
If there is severe pain, preterm contractions, or bleeding, visiting the best urogynecology hospital in Coimbatore is required for immediate treatment and observation.
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Postpartum Care
Fibroids may continue to grow and cause symptoms even after delivery. Hence, women are recommended to visit hospitals for regular checkups.
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Delivery Planning
In case the fibroids are likely to cause complications and disrupt labor, a planned C-section delivery might be one of the safest options.
Conclusion
Many women live with uterine fibroids without any major complications. But during pregnancy, these fibroids might cause unique challenges. The issues might differ based on the number, size, and location of the fibroids, but serious complications occur in the third trimester. This ranges from miscarriage risks in the first trimester to delivery complications and preterm labor in the later trimesters.
With consistent monitoring, proper medical guidance, and a customized treatment plan from the best uro gynaecologist in Coimbatore, women with fibroids can have a healthy pregnancy.
