Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy
Wondering about uterine fibroids and if they're cancerous? Read on. We tell you how uterine fibroids can affect your pregnancy and if they're dangerous to baby.
What are uterine fibroids during pregnancy?
They’re noncancerous (phew!) growths that appear in your uterus. Good news: They don’t increase your chances of getting uterine cancer, and fibroids usually don’t become cancerous.
What are the signs of uterine fibroids?
You might have pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, constipation and backaches or leg pains. Before you were pregnant, you may have had heavy or longer periods. In many cases, you might not experience any symptoms.
Are there any tests for uterine fibroids?
Your doctor might find them during a pelvic exam -- larger uterine fibroids cause your uterus to change shape. Also, an ultrasound can be used to tell if you have fibroids.
How common are uterine fibroids?
According to the US National Library of Medicine, as many as one in five women get fibroids during their childbearing years. Most women don’t even know they have them because they have no symptoms!
How did I get uterine fibroids?
There is no known cause of uterine fibroids, but genetics, hormones and chemicals in your body may affect your chances of getting them.
How will uterine fibroids affect my baby?
Luckily, they usually don’t interfere with pregnancy. It’s possible that uterine fibroids can change the shape of or block your fallopian tubes, which can affect future pregnancies. In some cases, doctors may recommend removing problematic fibroids before you get pregnant. You might experience some pain in your lower abdomen -- if you do, ask your doctor what you should do. Most of the time, you can take medication for the pain. In some cases, uterine fibroids can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth or breech birth. You could also have a greater chance of getting a c-section or heavy bleeding after labor.
What’s the best way to treat uterine fibroids?
More often than not, fibroids are nothing more than a pain in the belly, so don’t let them worry you too much unless your symptoms grow problematic.
-- Paula Kashtan and Sarah Yang