What happens if I have Uterine fibroids during pregnancy?
The good news about uterine fibroids is that most individuals who have them go on to have a normal pregnancy and birth. There are certain occasions wherein someone will need a cesarean birth due to the size or location of the uterine fibroids; in fact, uterine fibroids up the chances of needing a cesarean section by six times. That can sound scary, which is why having a care provider that you trust and being informed of all of your options are crucial parts of any type of birth plan.
Although most individuals can carry a pregnancy with normalcy while having uterine fibroids, they do put you at a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, baby being in a poor position like breech or asynclitic, and hemorrhaging postpartum. If you develop fibroids in pregnancy or your uterine fibroids grow during pregnancy, it is important to get them visualized to make sure that they will not be in the way of having a vaginal birth or stop your baby from being able to get into the correct position for a vaginal birth. Typically, your care provider will want more imaging of your baby during your pregnancy just to keep an eye on your uterine fibroids.
If you are pre-conception reading this, getting a treatment like a Myomectomy or removal of your uterine fibroids might be a good option. There are also less risky procedures like ablation and uterine artery embolization. These things are recommended because uterine fibroids can also cause issues with fertility and up your chances of having a miscarriage. On the other hand, like all surgeries and procedures, fibroid removal and treatment come with their own risks. It would be best if you weighed these out for yourself. If you do not want to take chances on a surgery or procedure or do not qualify for a Myomectomy but are struggling to conceive without support, seeing a fertility specialist might be one of your better options. Fertility specialists can help with implantation via IVF, offer to freeze eggs before getting a Myomectomy or Hysterectomy, and can make sure that lack of conception is only being caused by uterine fibroids and not anything else that needs managing. Fertility specialists are also great for making sure that you know all of your options when it comes to helping treat and prevent uterine fibroids before, during, and after pregnancy.
Different factors determine if someone is a candidate for a Myomectomy, which is a surgery that keeps your uterus intact, versus a Hysterectomy, which is a surgery that removes your uterus. Some of these factors include your overall health, the size and location of your fibroids, how many you have, and how old you are. Fibroid removal surgeries are not an option during pregnancy, but that is where your care provider can step in and provide support and aid in managing symptoms until your pregnancy is over and surgery is more of an option.
There are many cases wherein fibroids go away independently after pregnancy. Yoni or Vaginal Steaming is an excellent option for a way to try and naturally remove uterine fibroids after pregnancy or in preconception. Other ways to help support your body and help rid yourself of uterine fibroids have to do with your diet. Lessening the amount of fats and processed foods can help a lot. Other things to consider include taking Vitex/Chasteberry, fish or flax seed oil, Vitamin B complex, progesterone, and milk thistle. Another study showed that caster packs can decrease the size of uterine fibroids, making for good options to try as well. If nothing natural is helping, then a surgical removal might be your next best option.
As important as hiring a care provider you trust, it is equally as important to trust yourself and your intuition. Your care provider is the professional of infertility or obstetrics, and you are the professional of your body and baby. If you are unsure about the risks and benefits of surgery or medical treatment, ask questions and get the answers you need so that your decision feels fully informed and aligns with your values.
