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fibroids in pregnancy
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Pregnancy may be the first occasion on which fibroids are detected. A large for dates uterus may be due to co-existent fibroids. Fibroids are oestrogen-dependent - they increase in size in 15-20% of patients.
Fibroids are associated with some possible complications:
- pain - red degeneration may occur in large fibroids (when the blood supply is insufficient to support growth of the fibroid) - patients present with a history of pain and uterine tenderness; torsion of pedunculated fibroids may occur
- may cause malpresentation
- rarely cause obstructed labour
- postpartum haemorrhage
- recurrent abortion may be associated with submucous fibroids that cause distortion of the uterine cavity
- rarely fibroids are associated with polycythaemia
It is very rare for surgical treatment to be undertaken during pregnancy. However the exception is the case of fibroid torsion.
Last reviewed 01/2018
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