For most women, uterine fibroids don't grow during pregnancy — but for others, they can become disruptive or dangerous.
At his Queens and White Plains offices in New York, Dr. Daniel Kushner offers understanding, compassionate care to women living with uterine fibroids. Expert fibroid care becomes particularly important during pregnancy due to an elevated risk of complications like miscarriage.
Fibroids are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop within or around the uterus. Most women develop at least one at some point during their reproductive years.
Whether a fibroid affects pregnancy often depends on its size and positioning. Some are as tiny as a seed or grain of sand, while others can grow large enough to distend the uterus.
The number of fibroids can play a role, too. Fibroids can sometimes cluster together, covering a much larger area than scattered smaller ones.
Many women never experience any symptoms from fibroids. In some cases, fibroids remain stable for years; in other cases, they may grow or shrink over time.
Although you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby with fibroids, knowing the potential risks can help you prepare and have the safest possible pregnancy journey.
Fibroids have the potential to cause conception and pregnancy problems in several ways, including:
Depending on their location, some fibroids can stop an already-fertilized egg from implanting. This is most common with fibroids growing inside the uterus.
Some studies show that women with fibroids may be up to three times more likely to experience miscarriage. However, with expert prenatal care starting in the first trimester, you can help to lower that risk. Many women with fibroids carry their pregnancies successfully.
Pregnancy hormones can sometimes cause fibroids to grow. Fibroid degeneration is a condition that can happen when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, and it may lead to uterine pain.
In some cases, fibroids may affect where the placenta attaches inside the uterus, which is one reason close prenatal monitoring is important.
Large fibroids can take up valuable space within the uterus. Depending on a fibroid’s size and location, it may affect how the baby grows or positions itself later in pregnancy.
Fibroids may sometimes irritate the uterine lining or affect the placenta. This can lead to bleeding, which you should always report to our team ASAP.
Large fibroids can sometimes prevent a baby from moving into the ideal head-down position before delivery.
Women with fibroids may be more likely to require a C-section, particularly if a fibroid blocks the birth canal or affects the baby's position.
Fibroids can affect your pregnancy, but Dr. Kushner and our team are here to support you and your baby throughout your journey. If you’re concerned about fibroids and pregnancy safety, call our White Plains office at 914-422-0222 or our Kew Gardens, Queens, office at 718-793-1995 to schedule your appointment.
