Fibroids Management when Pregnant

Photo by Taylor Wright on Unsplash

I have been pregnant twice with fibroids.

In both instances my pregnancies didn’t last more than 9-10 weeks.

See my blog post on ‘Loosing my 3 Gifts’ if you are not familiar with my miscarriage story.

I had symptomatic fibroids some of which were sitting on my endometrium cavity which is normally where the embryo attaches and grows into a full baby during fertilization.

This made it difficult for my babies to survive as the fibroids were seemingly growing at a faster rate than the embryos and in the process sucking off all the important nutrients from and blood from them which are normally vitals in the growth of the baby. Oooh lets also talk about the much space they were taking as they grew which eventually lead to my babies being pushed out.

First things first, it is important to understand that the growth of fibroids is triggered by pregnancy especially if prior to getting pregnant you had fibroids OR you never had fibroids and the increase in estrogen during your pregnancy (which is totally normal) caused/triggered the tumours to grow.

This is the same reason why fibroids grow much faster during the first trimester if you have them and shrink immediately after pregnancy as your hormonal levels go back to a normal.

The primary problems that could occur are:

• Bleeding and pain.

Which I had during both of my pregnancies which then increased my chances of miscarrying.

Most miscarriages caused by fibroids happen only during the first trimester, after that it should be a breeze.

• Miscarriage.

This depends on the location and size of your fibroids; you are safer though if you go through the first trimester. Afterwards other than pain and contractions you are more than likely to have a healthy baby.

P.S. Because of the likelihood of the tumors blocking your vaginal canal and making a normal birth impossible your doctor will insist on you having a CS birth.

Let’s talk about the effects of fibroids on your baby:

Fibroids within the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids) are more likely to cause miscarriages than the ones in the uterine walls (intramural fibroids) and outside the uterine walls (subserosal and pedunculated fibroids)

The size of the fibroids will also detect whether the foetus will survive or not.

1.Fetal Growth Restriction

Submucosal Fibroids are a type of fibroids found in the uterine cavity that cause the shape of the cervix and uterus to change.

Depending on the size of fibroids a woman has, this can cause one’s uterus to be bulky.

Large fibroids interfere with the growth and movement of the foetus that then results to a miscarriage as there isn’t enough room for it to grow.

2.Fibroids can affect the flow of blood to the uterus.

When there isn’t enough blood flowing to the embryo this can cause its inability to develop leading to a miscarriage.

The bigger the fibroid the more blood vessels it contains, the more it takes blood flow away from the uterus and the developing foetus.

3. Fibroids cause Uterine Contractions when you are pregnant.

This can eventually lead to pre-term delivery that can eventually lead to the loss of the baby.

Pre-term delivery means complications with the baby will erupt as its not fully developed.

4.Fibroids Can Cause Placenta Abruption.

Placenta Abruption is the separation of the placenta from the uterus before birth.

When you have fibroids, they can end up blocking the placenta from the uterine wall.

This then reduces vital oxygen and nutrients to be passed to the baby that results to lose of the child.

5. Fibroids can cause death during delivery.

If not detected before delivery they can make a normal birth impossible.

If they are on the lower part near the cervix, they then obstruct delivery.

Fibroids can affect the position of the baby making them breech or at transverse position.

So, how do you manage fibroids when pregnant:

1. Look out for any cramps and pains.

When pregnant with fibroids any sign of pain or cramps would be a prior warning that something is amiss. This for me was normally followed by bleeding. So, in the event you experience pain call or visit your doctor immediately. You are better safe than sorry.

2. Bleeding means let rush to the emergency room.

Any sign of bleeding during pregnancy whether you have fibroids or not means either you or the baby is danger. Rush to hospital without a second thought. You could be experiencing a miscarriage.

3. Keep track of the growth of your fibroids.

How you do this is by never missing your doctor’s appointments when pregnant and asking all the relevant questions when there. If your fibroids are growing, how will this affect your baby? Do you need to be on bed rest? Take it a little easy on yourself?

Asking all these questions will help you really know and understand what you can further do to ensure both the safety of you and the baby.

I would love to hear from you if you have any questions following up to this article if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have fibroids.

Thanks for stopping by.

See you on these streets again soon.

Xoxo,

Tabby